The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced today that the new bridge that carries Sumneytown Pike (State Route 63) over the Northeastern Extension (I-476) in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County, will be placed in its final traffic configuration during the day on Sept. 23.

Loftus Construction Inc., of Cinnaminson, N.J. was awarded the $12,485,000 contract to replace the 55+ year-old bridge in October 2011 and in December that year reduced traffic along Sumneytown Pike to its long-term, single-lane configuration between Old Forty Foot Road and Towamencin Avenue. Similar to the 2008 bridge replacement projects at Walton Road and DeKalb Pike in the southern half of the 11-mile total reconstruction project, Sumneytown Pike was completed in two stages that allowed the contractor to maintain one-lane of traffic in both directions, using no detours during construction.

The Sumneytown Pike Bridge is located near the Lansdale Interchange (Exit #31). The contract included reconstruction of Sumneytown Pike, improvements to Old Forty Foot Road, utility installations, drainage modifications, signing and pavement markings, and temporary traffic controls on Sumneytown Pike. Some construction related activities will continue in the area adjacent to the bridge, with little or no impacts to traffic on Sumneytown Pike, until the project is completed by October 14.

Traffic control signs on the Northeastern Extension within the work zone near the Lansdale Interchange (Exit #31) will remain in place while work continues adjacent to the Turnpike. Motorists traveling I-476 can expect reduced speeds and overnight lane closures for several more weeks. Within the work zone, speed limits will be reduced to 55 mph and 40 mph when single-lane patterns are implemented.

This is the third overhead bridge to be constructed in advance of the Turnpike’s future northern section total reconstruction and widening project. The Kriebel and Morris Road Bridges were the first to be replaced. Replacement of the Bustard Road Bridge, five mainline bridges and the Lansdale Interchange Ramps will be included in the Turnpike’s contract to reconstruct and widen the Turnpike between milepost A26-A31 anticipated to start construction in the spring 2014.

For additional information on the Northeastern Extension Total Reconstruction and Widening Project, visit the web site at www.paturnpike.com/ConstructionProjects/mpA20toA31. The Pennsylvania Turnpike urges the public to stay alert and travel at posted speed limits through all work zones.

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