Harrisburg, PA – As an alternative to attending the open house, an updated online public plan display is available on the project website for review and comment. Project plans can also be viewed at the Harrisburg City Government Center during business hours.
New information on the website includes an updated project overview, display boards and Frequently Asked Questions.
Bridge improvements include the rehabilitation of the historic arch and replacement of the deck and upstream sidewalk on the 16-span eastern bridge as well as the construction of a new superstructure (deck and beams) on the western bridge, which will be expanded from the existing 16-spans to 17-spans.
Both bridges will maintain four 10-foot lanes, similar to current conditions. The work to the eastern bridge will install a new 6-foot 9-inch upstream sidewalk that is 1-foot wider than the existing with no metal hatches resulting in a smoother surface. Additionally,1-foot 9-inch upstream and downstream shoulders will be added. For the western bridge, one 7-foot upstream sidewalk that is 2 feet, 5 inches wider than the existing along with 2-foot shoulders, both upstream and downstream, will be constructed. These improvements will provide additional space for bicyclists and a buffer area between vehicles and pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Additional bicycle signage (Bicycles Allowed Use of Full Lane) and shared lane use markings in the right lane in each direction will also be added from the west shore to the east shore. Pavement Markings and Signage will be included at both adjacent signalized intersections on the west shore and east shore.
The downstream sidewalk on both bridges will be eliminated since a separate utility bridge is proposed to be built downstream of the existing structures. This bridge will carry all utilities currently located under the sidewalks on the Market Street bridges while providing a 14-foot-wide pathway for bicycle and pedestrian use in lieu of the downstream sidewalk.
This additional utility bridge will reduce the overall construction time by four years, as well as serve as an accessible, safe pathway for bikes and pedestrians.
Online information can be found by visiting the PennDOT District 8 website, PennDOT District 8, clicking Projects Near You listed on the left side of the page, then the District 8 Projects, and choosing Market Street Bridge.
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Pharon Bertsch, PE, Senior Project Manager, at 717-705-6209, or email at pbertsch@pa.gov.
