Main Street Bridge Being Restored Next Week, Expect Delays

The next stage in the Markley Street Improvement Project starts Monday, April 22, when PennDOT begins restoration of the Main Street Bridge, the historic stone arch bridge between Main and Astor streets spanning Stony Creek in Norristown. The 40-foot long, 83-foot wide stone bridge was originally constructed in 1854.

According to PennDOT, contractors will work through the year to preserve the historic bridge by "strengthening the stone arch structure from the inside." Workers will:

• Install new parapets (the wall-like barriers at the edges of the bridge) that match the existing design;
• Replace sidewalks; and
• Repoint the mortar joints.

Starting at 9 a.m. on Monday, April 22 (weather dependent), traffic patterns will be adjusted between Markley and Astor streets and travelers will be directed through the work zone by flaggers. Traffic pattern changes include:

• Eastbound Main Street will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes on the bridge.
• Westbound Main Street will remain one lane through the work zone. 

The Main Street bridge’s new three-lane traffic pattern will remain in place through April 2014. The sidewalk opposite the construction will remain open on the Main Street Bridge to provide pedestrian access throughout the restoration.

Drivers should expect delays and allow extra time for travel through the area, anticipating backups approaching the bridge, especially eastbound during rush hour.

PennDOT began construction on the $20.8 million project to improve 1.1 miles of Markley Street between Elm Street and Johnson Highway, and a half-mile stretch of Johnson Highway between Markley Street and DeKalb Street in February 2013. Construction is scheduled to finish in fall 2016.

The plan includes:

• Rebuilding the street to provide one lane in each direction plus a center lane for left turns;
• Adding recessed parking bays in residential areas;
• Installing trees and decorative pedestrian street lights;
• Building an off-street parking lot at the corner of Harding Boulevard and Markley Street;
• Upgrading traffic signals;
• Installing new curb ramps; and
• Adding Intelligent Transportation System components.

J.D. Eckman of Atglen, Pa., is the general contractor on the $20,825,701 contract that is financed with 80% federal and 20% state funds. This project is the first of two to improve the Markley Street Corridor. A second project to rebuild Markley Street from Main Street to Elm Street is presently in engineering design. Construction is scheduled to start on that phase in spring 2015.

PennDOT reminds motorists they can log on to www.511pa.com or call 511 from any phone to check traffic conditions on major highways before heading out. For more PennDOT information, go to www.dot.state.pa.us. and follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAPhilly.

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