​The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to view a virtual plans display for a project to replace the bridge that carries Route 18 (Springboro Road) over a tributary to Conneaut Creek in Spring Township, Crawford County.

The bridge is located on Route 18 between the intersection with the Shadeland Road and the intersection with Angling Road.

The project will include replacing the existing bridge with a reinforced concrete box culvert. Work will also include new roadway approaches and updated guiderail and pavement markings.

Work is expected to occur during the summer of the 2021 construction season.

The bridge and the nearby roadway is expected to be closed for approximately two months during construction. A 33-mile detour will be posted using Route 6N, Route 98, and Route 198.

The existing concrete slab bridge was built in 1925. It is classified as poor condition due to substructure deterioration. Approximately 1,700 vehicles a day use the bridge, on average.

The virtual plans display includes digital picture boards, and an online comment form. It can be accessed by visiting the PennDOT District 1 website, www.penndot.gov/District1, clicking on Public Meetings/Studies listed under the Resources heading, and choosing the Crawford County box then the tile marked Route 18 Bridge Replacement Project.

In accordance with Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the comment period will be held online only. It will be open from June 23 to July 7, 2020. Those unable to access the study online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Bob Bell at robertbell@pa.gov or 814-678-7161.

The purpose of the virtual plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Also, the project documents will 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 Bob Bell, PennDOT Project Manager at robertbell@pa.gov, or 814-678-7161.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201.

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

Follow local PennDOT information on Twitter at www.twitter.com/511PAErie or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/northwestregionpenndot.

MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035

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