The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike) officially cut the ribbon on its new Hawk Falls Bridge. The $88 million bridge replacement project enhances safety and mobility for the area, while improving the overall functionality of the bridge at milepost 88.59 on the Northeast Extension.
"Every Pennsylvanian deserves a safe and reliable transportation network and that includes modernized bridges, like Hawk Falls, that improve access and traffic flow, helping motorists arrive at destinations safely and quickly," said Michael Carroll, chairman of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and PA Secretary of Transportation. "Addressing aging infrastructure is one of Pennsylvania's top priorities, and I'm proud to say the Commonwealth's repaired more bridges than any other state in the nation in 2023."
The new bridge supports two lanes of traffic in each direction and increases shoulder and median width to support safer travel on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, a crucial improvement as passenger and commercial traffic volumes in this area are higher than pre-pandemic numbers, now averaging more than 24,000 vehicles per day. The new bridge reduces long-term maintenance needs and improves longevity through using weathering steel and eliminating expansion joints.
The general contractor was Trumbull Corporation and the construction manager was STV Inc. Modjeski and Masters Inc. served as the design consultant.
Major subcontractors for the project included H&K Group, asphalt paving, Skippack, Pa.; Joseph B. Fay, demolition subcontractor, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Structural Services Inc., steel erection subcontractors, Nazareth, Pa.; and High Steel Structures, LLC, fabricator/supplier for the structural steel, Lancaster, Pa.
"The opening of the new Hawk Falls Bridge shows that even after 85 years, we're still leading the way in providing safe and convenient travel to our customers throughout our beautiful Commonwealth," said Mark Compton, CEO of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. "By enhancing one of its most critical transportation corridors and improving travel reliability for commuters and commercial drivers, we're driving home the Pennsylvania Turnpike's mission to provide a safe and reliable roadway system that supports mobility and national commerce."
