Center Avenue bridge reopens
It was closed to traffic in April due to “unstable structural conditions.”
The Center Avenue bridge that connects Elizabeth to Forward Township has reopened — right on schedule.
On April 15, the bridge, between Nevins Lane and Walker Road, was closed to traffic “around-the-clock through late August due to a failing utility line causing unstable structural conditions.”
The closure, previously announced without a start date, caused problems for anyone who travels through the area, disrupting school bus rotes, mail and emergency response strategies.
Possibly most frustrating to area residents, it added about 20 minutes to commutes to get around the closure.
Before PennDOT could begin its portion of the project, Forward Township had to complete sewage line work.
The township spent about $250,000 to expedite the project and get the work done so PennDOT could get in and move it along.
Their portion of the project wrapped up in June, and PennDOT has been on site almost daily to get it finished by the intended August deadline.
Forward Township Supervisor Amy Cline has been diligent in posting updates for residents as information becomes available and has remained in direct contact with PennDOT as work progressed.
Work has consisted of excavation, the removal of a portion of stone wall and resurfacing.
Paving and milling were finished earlier this week, and the bridge officially opened to traffic Thursday in time for residents and traffic to enjoy a shorter evening commute.
