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    District 4 Projects - Wayne County

    Route 296 Bridge Replacement Project

    Project Status

    Step 2 of 4

    Design

    Next Step:  Construction

    Project Overview

    County:Wayne
    Municipality: Waymart Borough
    State Route: 296
    Local Name: Belmont Turnpike
    Project Type: Bridg Replacement
    MPMS Number: 67578
    Proposed Construction Start: Summer 2026
    Proposed Construction End: Fall 2026
    Last Updated: December 17, 2025

    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to a virtual plans display and in-person public plans presentation regarding the  Route 296 (Belmont Turnpike), Section D50 Structure Replacement Project over Van Aucken Creek.

    The purpose of the project is to replace the existing structure carrying Belmont Pike over Van Aucken Creek for continued access to local residents, businesses, and emergency services.

    The project consists of replacing the existing bridge carrying Route 296 (Belmont Turnpike) over Van Aucken Creek in Waymart Borough, Wayne County with a new box culvert on the same horizontal alignment and similar vertical alignment with minimal approach roadway work. Additionally, new drainage pipes and inlets will be installed.

    It is anticipated that construction will take place during the summer of 2026.

    Traffic Control

    ​​​​Vehicles Traveling Along Route296 North

    Numerous township roads will be signed to advise traffic wishing to travel north along Route 296 that the road is closed at the bridge. Traffic will be advised to utilize South Street to access Route 3030 (Carbondale Road).

    • South Street westbound to Route 3030 East (Carbondale Road)
    • Route 3030 East (Carbondale Road) will allow vehicles to travel back towards the project location.

    The total detour length is approximately 0.5 miles.

    Vehicles Traveling Along Route 296 South

    Numerous township roads will be signed to advise traffic wishing to travel south along Route 0296 that the road is closed at the bridge. Traffic will be advised to utilize Route 3030 West (Carbondale Road)

    • Route 3030 West (Carbondale Road) to South Street
    • South Street will allow vehicles to travel back towards the project location.

    The total detour length is approximately 0.5 miles.

    Pedestrian Detour

    Water Street and Center Street (to the west of Route 296)

    Resources

    Contact Information

    Don Rau
    Project Manager
    570-963-4050
    drau@pa.gov


    Jessica Ruddy
    Press Officer
    (570) 963-4044
    jeruddy@pa.gov

    Past Public Outreach 

    The in-person public display meeting for both projects took place on August 21, 2024 at the Gibson Township Building, 11452 PA-92, South Gibson, PA 18842.

    Public Meeting

    Public Plans Display was held:
    Date: Wednesday, August 21, 2024
    Time: 6:00 PM
    Location: Gibson Township Building
    11452 PA-92
    South Gibson, PA 18842

    Accessibility

    The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the Project Manager listed above.

    Title VI

    Pursuant to the 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 PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.