Route 438 Over South Branch Tunkhannock Creek Bridge Project

County: Lackawanna
Municipality: Scott Towsnhip
State Route: 438
Local Name: Montdale Road
Project Type: Structure Replacement
MPMS Number: 68824
Proposed Construction Start: Summer 2028
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2029
Last Updated: February 12, 2026

The purpose of the project is to provide a safe passageway for vehicles across both South Branch Tunkhannock Creek and the Unnamed Tributary to South Branch Tunkhannock Creek. The project is needed to replace two existing structures, which have both deteriorated.

The main structure, a single - span reinforced concrete T-beam bridge over South Branch Tunkhannock Creek, will be replaced with a spread box beam bridge founded on integral abutments. The second structure, an existing box culvert over an Unnamed Tributary to South Branch Tunkhannock Creek, will be replaced by a larger box culvert. The reconstructed Route 438 roadway (Montdale Road) and structures will consist of two 11’-0” travel lanes with 5’-0” shoulders.

Additional work includes, but is not limited to: roadway reconstruction, guide rail upgrades, drainage improvements, grading, signing, and pavement markings.

Maintenance and protection of traffic during construction will include a short-term detour with accelerated bridge construction to replace the existing box culvert. The main structure over South Branch Tunkhannock Creek will be completed during half-width construction controlled by temporary signals.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in the Summer of 2028 and will be completed by the Fall of 2029.

 Short-Term Detour Directions:

The Route 438 roadway will be closed to all traffic during the replacement of the existing culvert over the Unnamed Tributary to South Branch Tunkhannock Creek. A short-term detour (separate car and truck) will be put in place to complete the culvert construction. The main bridge replacement over South Branch Tunkhannock Creek will be completed during half-width construction controlled by temporary traffic signals. The truck detour route and car detour route will be posted as follows:

 Car Detour:

Beginning south of the project, the car detour starts by following Route 247 North (Lakeland Drive) for approximately 1.9 miles until reaching Route 1006 (Country Club Road). Turn left and follow Route 1006 (Country Club Road) for approximately 1.5 miles until reaching Route 1013 (Koehler Hill Road). Turn left onto Route 1013 (Koehler Hill Road) and continue approximately 0.8 miles until connecting back onto Route 438 (Montdale Road) for a total detour length of 4.2 miles.

Truck Detour:

Beginning south of the project, the truck detour starts by following Route 632 West (Commerce Drive) for approximately 2.7 miles until reaching Route 347 North (Justus Blvd). Turn right and follow Route 347 North (Justus Blvd) for approximately 1.6 miles until reaching Route 524 East (Kraky Road). Proceed onto Route 524 East (Kraky Road) and then continue for approximately 1.4 miles until connecting back onto Route 0438 (Montdale Road) for a total detour length of 5.7 miles.