Contractors are about half way done the rehabilitation work to the US209 East Broad Street bridge in Tamaqua. Work began in early June of last year.
Rehabilitation work will maintain the existing out-to-out width of 58 feet, and provide for two traffic lanes, two parking lanes, and two concrete sidewalks. The new bridge will also be 16 feet longer.
The 100-foot-long bridge falls within the boundaries of, and is considered to be a contributing resource to two historic districts, the Tamaqua Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and a local historic district.
Historians state that the original stone masonry bridge, built in 1904, was widened in 1933 to include concrete sidewalks.
The new design of the bridge will allow the original arch design of the bridge to be visible.
Blooming Glen Contractors Inc. of Blooming Glen was awarded the $2,493,465 project.
PennDOT states that the project is anticipated to be complete by November 2014.
(All Photos)