Route 706 Over East Branch Wyalusing Creek Bridge Project

County: Susquehanna County
Municipality: Jessup Township
State Route: 706
Project Type: Bridge Replacement
MPMS Number: 67525 
Proposed Construction Start: December 2029
Proposed Construction End: December 2031
Last Updated: October 2026

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently advancing engineering efforts for the replacement of the Route 706 bridge carrying traffic over East Branch Wyalusing Creek in Jessup Township, Susquehanna County.

The purpose of the project is to provide a safe, sustainable, and reliable crossing over East Branch Wyalusing Creek while addressing the structural deficiencies of the existing bridge and maintaining access for local residents, businesses, agricultural operations, and emergency services.

The existing bridge carries Route 706 over East Branch Wyalusing Creek and serves as a key transportation link within the region. As part of PennDOT's bridge preservation program, the structure is being evaluated for replacement to address age-related deterioration and improve long-term functionality. The project will consider roadway and bridge improvements that enhance safety, maintain traffic operations, and reduce future maintenance needs.

The project is currently in the preliminary engineering phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in December 2029.

Traffic Control:

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

Federal and state laws, including Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966, apply to the use of historic properties listed in or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) that are impacted by federal oversight actions. The Huff/Bartlett Farm, located in the southeast quadrant of the bridge, was determined eligible for listing in the NRHP for its association with twentieth century agriculture in the region and is a Section 4(f) resource. Because the barn will be removed from the NRHP eligible Huff/Bartlett Farm, the project will adversely affect the features that qualify this property for protection under Section 4(f), and an individual Section 4(f) evaluation will be required.  The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, which holds jurisdiction over the historic property, 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 updating bridge features to meet current design standards. The project involves shifting the roadway alignment and bridge to the south to improve the roadway approaches and address poor intersection geometry and sight distance issues at the intersection with Downer Hill Road at the west end of the bridge. The project will help maintain connectivity for the traveling public, support local economic activity, and minimize disruptions during future operations. Additionally, the project reflects PennDOT's commitment to providing safe, efficient, and sustainable transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth.