The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to view the plans for a proposed project to restore the bridge that carries Petroleum Center Road (Route 1004) over Oil Creek in Cornplanter Township, Venango County.
The bridge is in Oil Creek State Park between the intersection with State Park Road (Route 1007) and the intersection with Russell Corners Road. It connects the Train Station Visitors Center and the Wildcat Hollow group campsite to the park office.
The purpose of the project is to maintain a dependable crossing over Oil Creek on Petroleum Center Road. Maintaining the transportation system at this location will positively impact the local community including Oil Creek State Park, allow access for motorized and non-motorized traffic, and ensure that emergency services have efficient access.
The bridge is currently closed to motorized vehicles due to a deficiency discovered during a routine inspection in fall 2022. In 2023, work to strengthen several truss members was completed by employees from PennDOT’s Venango County maintenance facility and the bridge was opened to pedestrians and bicyclists.
This project will make additional improvements to the historic truss bridge so it can be restored with a goal of a minimum load carrying capacity of 15 tons.
Work is expected to begin in 2027 construction season and will take 12 to 18 months to complete.
The current 11-mile detour for motorized vehicles will remain in place. It uses Route 8, Route 227, State Park Road, and Petroleum Center Road. Boaters will exit the waterway before the bridge and follow the posted portage route to re-enter the creek on the opposing side of the bridge.
The proposed project includes the temporary closure of the Erie-Pittsburgh Trail across the bridge and the temporary portage for boaters on the Oil Creek Water Trail during construction. Temporary construction easements and permanent right-of-way are anticipated.
The existing bridge is a 239-foot, two-span, pin-connected, Pratt through truss built in 1884. The bridge is an integral link between the state park office, tourist attractions, trails, and campgrounds within Oil Creek State Park. The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for its engineering significance, which includes its distinct design and its standing as an example of work done by the Morse Bridge Company of Youngstown, Ohio.
Prior to its closure, the bridge was rated in poor condition, and it was posted with a 5-ton weight limit. Approximately 75 vehicles a day used the bridge, on average.
The information on the Petroleum Center Bridge Project, including a handout, digital plans, and an online comment form, is available online. It can be accessed by visiting www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1 clicking the View District1 Projects.
Those unable to access the information online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Steve Schettler at sschettler@pa.gov or 814-678-7356.
The purpose of the public comment period 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.
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 Steve Schettler, PennDOT Project Manager, at sschettler@pa.gov or 814-678-7356.
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 and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X or Facebook.
# # #
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, jharry@pa.gov or 814-678-5035