Two ‘Structurally Deficient’ Bridges in Plum to Get Weight Restrictions

Close to 50 state-owned bridges in PennDOT District 11’s three-county region, including Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence, will be posted with new or lowered weight restrictions to slow the rate of deterioration of those bridges and ensure safety—including two bridges in Plum.

The structures are among about 1,000 structurally deficient bridges statewide that PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch last week authorized for new or added weight restrictions.

The restrictions will also apply to 29 county and locally owned bridges in Allegheny, Beaver and Lawrence counties.

According to PennDOT, the agency is taking this step “because legislative inaction on transportation funding left uncertain the department’s ability to repair or replace these bridges. The lower weight limits will help extend the service life of these deteriorating bridges.”

The Plum bridges affected by the new restrictions are:

• Route 2075 (Logan’s Ferry Road) over Poketa Creek, 29 tons except combinations 40 tons
• Route 2086 (Leechburg Road) over Plum Creek, 33 tons except combinations 40 tons

PennDOT will begin posting bridges with weight limits as soon as Friday, Aug. 29. Notifications to school-bus operators, emergency-service providers and other local officials currently are taking place, according to PennDOT.

Posting on local bridges will take place at a later date after PennDOT discusses these changes with local bridge owners.

To view the bridges with new or lowered weight restrictions, or to learn more about bridge weight restrictions and PennDOT’s bridge-inspection program, visit the PennDOT homepage at www.dot.state.pa.us and click on “Bridge Information.”