Petroleum Center Bridge Project

County: Venango
State Route: 1004
Project Type: Bridge Rehabilitation
MPMS: 2107
Proposed Construction Start: 2027
Proposed Construction End:  2028
Last Updated: 01/22/2025

The purpose of the project is to maintain a dependable crossing over Oil Creek on Petroleum Center Road (Route 1004). 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. 

This project will make additional improvements to the historic truss bridge so it can be reopened to motorized traffic 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 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 239-foot, two-span, pin-connected, single-lane steel Pratt through truss bridge was built in 1884 and was rehabilitated in 1984. It is posted with a weight limit of five tons, has a height restriction of 11 feet, and is rated in poor condition.

The bridge was closed in October 2022 following a routine inspection. In spring 2023, further inspections were conducted, and plans were created that would allow the bridge to be reopened to pedestrians and bicyclists. 

Work on the bridge was done by employees from the Venango County maintenance facility under the guidance of historic bridge consultant Gannett Fleming and PennDOT engineering staff. Along with repairs made to secure the bridge's truss system, the workers installed bollards on the roadway at both ends of the structure to prohibit vehicles from using the crossing.  

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.

It is used by approximately 75 vehicles a day, on average. 

A detour for motorized vehicles is posted using Route 8, Route 227, State Park Road, and Petroleum Center Road. 

The bridge is currently opened to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Under the proposed plan, the bridge will be closed to vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists while construction is underway. 

The proposed project also 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.