The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to view the plans for a project to replace the bridge that carries Route 62 over Prather Run in Hickory Township, Forest County.
The bridge is located on Route 62 between the intersection with Church Hill Road and the intersection with Route 666 in the East Hickory area.
The proposed Route 62 Bridge Replacement Project includes replacing the existing structure with a new concrete bridge. Proposed improvements also include drainage updates, milling, paving, sign updates, and roadway paint. Overhead utilities will be relocated in the project area.
The existing reinforced concrete bridge was built in 1926 and widened in 1998. It is classified as poor condition. Approximately 1,600 vehicles a day use the bridge, on average.
Work is expected to occur during the 2027 construction season.
The project plans call for use of temporary traffic signals allowing a single lane of alternating traffic to cross during the entirety of construction. A temporary pedestrian bridge between the parking lot on the south side of Prather Run and George’s Little Store on the north side of the stream is proposed during construction.
The public may also view the plans for the Route 62 Bridge Replacement Project online at www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1. Information can be found under the Projects Near You option located at the top of the webpage. The project page includes digital copies of the project fact sheet, proposed plans, and an online comment form.
Those unable to access the information online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Mike Hunkele at mhunkele@pa.gov or 814-678-7173.
The purpose of the plans display 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 Mike Hunkele, PennDOT Project Manager, at mhunkele@pa.gov or 814-678-7173.
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.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1.
Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X and Facebook.
###
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, jharry@pa.gov or 814-678-5035