PennDOT plans to upgrade Route 30 bridge in Ligonier Township, replace Rostraver foot bridge

The bridge that carries the eastbound lanes of Route 30 over the Loyalhanna Creek in Ligonier Township is due for a roughly $2 million upgrade next year, including deck repairs and drainage improvements.

Near the western edge of Westmoreland County, PennDOT is also set to replace a foot bridge that allows pedestrians to cross Interstate 70 in Rostraver. That project is not expected to proceed until 2026, at a potential cost of about $3.5 million.

Eastbound traffic will be subject to single-lane restrictions during work on the Route 30 bridge, expected to take place sometime between April and the end of next summer.

Located in the area known as Longbridge, the six-span I-beam bridge has multiple areas of spalling on its deck. Those are places where weathering has caused the concrete surface to chip or flake, in some cases exposing the deck reinforcement.

PennDOT officials say they plan to fix that problem with concrete repairs and a latex overlay of the deck.

The project also will replace leaking expansion dams that are causing deterioration of the bridge piers. The piers will be encased in concrete.

Downspouts on the bridge will be revised to eliminate clogs.

“The existing protective fence is in an advanced state of deterioration and has areas damaged by vehicles or trees,” said PennDOT District 12 press officer Laina Aquiline. “It will be replaced and fixed along its full length.”

J.F. Shea Construction of East Huntingdon submitted the apparent low bid of slightly more than $2 million for the project.

Golden Triangle Construction Co. of Imperial is the apparent low bidder for the pedestrian bridge project, with a proposal of about $3.58 million.

According to PennDOT, the replacement truss bridge connecting Carson Street in the Pricedale neighborhood to the north side of I-70 will provide an improved clearance of at least 17 feet, 6 inches above the interstate.

It also will have updated access meeting modern standards for handicapped use. A ramp is planned to replace the stairs required to enter the current bridge on the north side of the interstate.

Lighting and drainage also will be improved.

Traffic on the section of I-70 below will be subject to restrictions when the existing bridge is hoisted out and the new span is set in its place.

The existing foot bridge will have a new home in Connellsville, PennDOT officials said.