The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to view plans for a project to replace the bridge that carries Canadian National/Bessemer & Lake Erie Railroad over Route 6N and widen the roadway in Springfield Township, Erie County.
The purpose of the project is to improve the roadway near and under the bridge, and increase the vertical and horizontal clearances for traffic beneath the structure. These improvements will allow for the use of this portion of Route 6N (Route 3006) as a detour route for Interstate 90 as needed.
The bridge is located above Route 6N (US 6N) between the intersection with Old Albion Road and the intersection with Sanford Road.
The project will include replacing the existing railroad bridge, widening of the roadway on both sides of the structure, pipe and channel realignment, paving approximately 600 feet of roadway, and updated guiderail and pavement markings. Work is expected to occur during the 2027 construction season.
Additional details about the Route 6N Railroad Bridge proposal are available through the online project page, which includes a handout, self-guided presentation, digital plans, and an online comment form. It will be open until August 23, 2024 and can be accessed by visiting the PennDOT District 1 website, www.penndot.pa.gov/District1 under the Design and Construction Projects link.
A detour will be required during construction and is expected to be in place at various times for approximately nine months. The proposed 21-mile detour route will be posted using Route 6N, Route 18, and Interstate 90.
A temporary rail line, known as a shoofly, will be used to provide a runaround for the railroad while the proposed permanent rail structure is constructed.
The existing railroad bridge was built in 1930. It is classified as poor condition. Approximately six trains a day (three during the day and three at night) use the bridge.
Approximately 2,300 vehicles a day use the roadway under the bridge, on average. The current vertical clearance for traffic under the bridge is 14 feet, 7 inches.
Those unable to access the information online request plans or give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Jeanette Uhl, at juhl@pa.gov, or 814-678-7084.
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 Jeanette Uhl, PennDOT Project Manager at juhl@pa.gov, or 814-678-7084.
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.
Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.
PennDOT District 1 is hiring for variety of positions, including CDL operators, mechanics, highway maintenance workers, civil engineers, construction inspectors, and transportation technicians. Apply online at www.employment.pa.gov.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov
