Replacement of the Route 318 Bridge in Shenango Township, Mercer County Started Today

The project to replace the bridge that carries Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Shenango Township, Mercer County started today.

The Route 318 bridge was struck by the boom of a truck traveling eastbound on I-376 the morning of December 7, 2023, and sustained substantial damage and was closed. An inspection revealed damage to three beams as well as a hole in the deck.

For the safety of traffic traveling under the bridge, it was determined the damaged portion of the bridge should be removed as soon as possible, which was completed in less than 36 hours after the crash. Route 318 has remained closed in that area.

The project will include demolition of the remaining existing structure, construction of a new bridge, the partial reconstruction of the roadway near the bridge and the I-376 ramps, and repairs to correct damage to the interstate caused by the crash.

The new bridge will have a higher vertical clearance than the former structure but will maintain a similar alignment with the roadway. The former bridge, which was built in 1966 and was rated in fair condition prior to the crash, was posted at 14 feet, 2 inches. A new bridge will meet the current standard of 16 feet, 6 inches.

Construction began April 15, 2024 and is expected to be completed by November 2024.

The current detour for Route 218 will remain in place. It is posted using I-376 and Route 18. Drivers should be alert for lane and shoulder restrictions on I-376 as needed throughout the project.

Additionally, I-376 westbound between the ramps and exits will be closed from 7:00 PM on Friday, April 19 until 5:00 AM on Monday, April 22 for demolition of the remaining portion of the bridge. Traffic will be detoured off the interstate at the Route 318 exit and will reenter at the onramp. ​

The contractor is Mekis Construction Corporation of Fenelton, PA. The contract cost is $5,145,068.12. The project is being paid for through a combination of 20 percent state and 80 percent federal emergency funds.

Information on the Route 318 Bridge Replacement Project is available online at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1 under the Design and Construction Projects link.

This year PennDOT's Northwest Region excepts to do work on more than 100 projects. To see a full listing of all the anticipated work, check out the 2024 Construction Book located under the Resources tab online at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

PennDOT urges motorists to slow down when driving in work zones, and also to be alert to changing conditions, avoid distractions and to pay attention to signs and flaggers. Drive responsibly in work zones for your safety and the safety of the workers.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.

Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.

Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.

PennDOT District 1 is hiring for variety of positions, including CDL operators, mechanics, highway maintenance workers, civil engineers, construction inspectors, and transportation technicians. Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or [email protected]