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    District 4 Projects - Pike

    Route 4003 (Welcome Lake Road) Over Masthope Creek Structure Project

    Project Location 4003 location map.png

    Project Status

    Step 1 of 4

    Design

    Next Step:  Construction

    Project Overview

    Public Outreach

    Virtual Plans Display

    ​The virtual plans display will be available online from December 20, 2025 through July 2, 2026.

    Public Comment Period  

    The public comment period, where the community is encouraged to respond with questions and concerns was from December 20, 2025 through July 2, 2026.

    Project Overview

    County: Pike
    Municipality: Lackawaxen Township
    State Route: Route 4003
    Local Name: Welcome Lake Road
    Project Type: Structure Project
    MPMS Number: 9343
    Proposed Construction Start: Spring 2027
    Proposed Construction End:  Fall 2028
    Last Updated: June 2, 2026

    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently undergoing engineering efforts to replace the existing structure on Route 4003 (Welcome Lake Road) Over Masthope Creek in Lackawaxen Township, Pike County.

    The purpose of the project is to provide a sustainable crossing over Masthope Creek that provides a two-lane bridge, addresses the structural deficiencies, and provides continued access to local residents, businesses, and emergency services.

    The existing structure is a single-span rolled steel I-beam bridge with a 34-foot span, currently posted at 29 tons. It carries two lanes of traffic with lanes ranging from 10 to 11 feet wide and no shoulders. The bridge crosses over Masthope Creek, which runs west to east and is almost parallel to Route 4003 on the southeast quadrant. Private residences are located south of the bridge with a private driveway immediately southwest of the structure.

    Federal and state laws, including Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, govern the use up publicly owned parks and recreational areas impacted by Federal oversight actions. On the east side of the bridge lies State Game Land (SGL) #316, which has been identified as a Section 4(f) resource. Due to the replacement of the bridge, an acquisition of 0.0706 acres of SGL #316 is needed. Complete avoidance of SGL #316 was not feasible as the bridge is being placed on the existing alignment, however effort was made to shift the proposed structure west to the greatest extent possible to minimize impacts. Additionally, a temporary construction easement (TCE) of 0.1467 acres is needed on SGL #316 to provide construction access and staging to complete work for the new bridge. PennDOT believe this will not permanently or adversely affect the recreational activities, features, or attributes that qualify this property for protection under Section 4(f) and believes this will constitute a deminimis use of land from the SGL. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Commission, which holds jurisdiction over the SGL, is being consulted in addition to the public.

    This bridge replacement project aims to improve safety and reliability in the project area by addressing structural deficiencies and features of the structure. It seeks to mitigate traffic disruptions and enhance the roadway for all users. Additionally, the project exemplifies PennDOT's goals of providing safe and sustainable transportation infrastructures across the Commonwealth.

    The project is currently in the preliminary engineering phase. Construction is expected to start in 2027.

    Those unable to access the plans display and comment form online or have special concerns that require individual attention, please contact PennDOT Project Manager Laury Estevez De Jesus, at 570-963-4061 or lestevezde@pa.gov.

    Traffic Control

    This project will feature a single-lane, alternating-direction flow traffic.

    Contact Information

    Laury Estevez De Jesus
    PennDOT Project Manager 570-963-4061
    lestevezde@pa.gov

    Jessica Ruddy
    Community Relations Coordinator
    jeruddy@pa.gov

    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.