I-80 North Fork Bridges Project

State Route: SR 0080 Section 550 (Interstate 80)
Local Name: I-80 North Fork Bridges Project
Project Type: Bridge Replacement
Design and Construction Cost: $328 million
Start of Construction: June 2024
Anticipated Bridge Completion: Summer 2028
Designer: Michael Baker International
Last Updated: June 2025

The I-80 North Fork Bridges are dual structures (one eastbound and one westbound) built in 1962 and most recently rehabilitated in 2013. These bridges cross over the North Fork Redbank Creek and Water Plant Road in Brookville Borough and Pine Creek Township, Jefferson County. Combined, these bridges are expected to carry approximately 30,900 vehicles daily. Approximately 44 percent of the traffic over the bridges is truck traffic.

The purpose of the project is to provide safe, efficient, and effective crossings of I-80 over North Fork Redbank Creek and Water Plant Road that appropriately accommodate interstate traffic with respect to connectivity, mobility, loading and geometry. The main spans of the existing bridges are steel two-girder systems with floor beams and stringers; the bridges are fracture critical since many components of the bridges are nonredundant. Both bridges have problematic fatigue details which have received multiple retrofits during the service lives of the structures. The eastbound bridge is in poor condition and the westbound bridge is in fair condition; inspections are required on a 6-month and 1-year basis, respectively. The existing bridges are separated by approximately 1,100 feet, with the Walter Dick Memorial Park located between and below the two bridges. Both bridges are reaching the end of their serviceable lifespan.

This section of I-80 has a posted speed limit of 70 miles per hour (mph) and has horizontal and vertical geometry that does not meet 70 mph design criteria. Many crashes, nearly twice the statewide average, have occurred on this segment of I-80 due to a substandard curve on the western approach to the Eastbound bridge.

In addition to the replacement of the I-80 North Fork Bridges, this project will include the replacement of the I-80 Eastbound and Westbound bridges over State Route 4003 (Jenks Street), as well as the replacement of the State Route 4005 (Richardsville Road) bridges over I-80. The project will also include the extension of the North Fork Park Culvert, which carries I-80 traffic over the tributary to North Fork Redbank Creek.

Detour Information

A detour is anticipated during the replacement of the I-80 bridges over SR 4003 (Jenks Street). This 3.1-mile detour route would use West Main Street (SR 0028), Allegheny Boulevard (SR 0036) and West Main Street (SR 0322, US 322). PennDOT will continue to coordinate with the Brookville Area School District throughout the design process. A temporary bus stop will be added south of the I-80 bridges over Jenks Street to transport students in the area to school during construction. Jenks Street is posted at 10 tons, and truck travel along the street is restricted except for local deliveries.

The SR 4003 (Jenks Street) Detour will be in place September 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in Winter 2025.

SR 4003 (Jenks Street) Detour Map (PDF)

A detour is also anticipated during the replacement of the Richardsville Road bridges over I-80. The 5.3-mile detour route would use East Main Street (SR 0322, US 322), SR 0028 and Butler Cemetery Road (T-430) and would be approximately 5.3 miles overall. Butler Cemetery Road (T-430) is posted at 10 tons and will be improved as part of the project. PennDOT will coordinate with Pine Creek Township to use Butler Cemetery Road as part of the official detour route.

The SR 4005 (Richardsville Road) Detour will be in place December 2024 through Spring 2028.

SR 4005 (Richardsville Road) Detour Map (PDF)

Ongoing Road Closures Supporting I-80 North Fork Bridges Project Progress

As work continues on the I-80 North Fork Bridges Project, key road closures remain in effect to support major construction milestones and ensure the safe and efficient advancement of the project.

Jenks Street (Route 4003) has been closed since September 23, 2024, to allow for the partial demolition of the I-80 bridges that pass over the roadway. This closure, originally outlined during the April 2024 North Fork Public Meeting, will remain in place through December 31, 2025. The detour continues to be clearly marked, and crews are making steady progress on this critical portion of the project.

Similarly, Richardsville Road (Route 4005) is scheduled to remain closed beginning January 13, 2025, through March 6, 2028. This closure supports the full removal and reconstruction of the bridge on SR 4005 and is a vital component of the overall bridge replacement effort.

Both closures are part of the planned construction activities being led by BPC’s subcontractor, Fay. These efforts are necessary to meet the project’s safety and infrastructure improvement goals. 

Overview Looking East: I-80 EB Bridge Construction over North Fork Creek

This view looks east over the I-80 eastbound bridge construction site. In the foreground, Pier 1 rebar and formwork are visible, with active crane operations supporting work on Piers 2 and 3 across the creek. Abutment 2 and approach grading are underway in the distance. The existing westbound bridge with green girders is seen to the left. Construction vehicles and equipment are staged throughout the site to support ongoing operations.

Pier 1- New I-80 Eastbound Bridge

This image highlights Pier 1 of the new I-80 eastbound bridge, with rebar cages in place and formwork underway. Located on the west side of the creek, Pier 1 serves as the starting point for the new bridge alignment. Equipment and materials are staged nearby to support ongoing foundation and superstructure work.

Abutment 1 – I-80 Westbound over SR 4003

This view shows Abutment 1 of the I-80 westbound bridge spanning SR 4003. The abutment structure is positioned at the western end of the bridge and serves as a key support for the superstructure. Construction activity includes grading and preparation for approach slab placement, with materials and equipment staged nearby for continued progress.