Route 2005 (Blackman Street) Bridge Project

County: Luzerne
Municipality: City of Wilkes-Barre
State Route: Route 2005
Local Name: Blackman Street
Project Type: Bridge Project
MPMS Number: 116423
Proposed Construction Start: Spring 2028
Proposed Construction End:  Falls 2028
Last Updated: November 5, 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to a virtual plans display regarding the Route 2005, Section PRS Blackman Street Bridge Replacement Project along Route 2005 from east of Arch Street to west of Beech Street, Luzerne County. The purpose of the project is to replace the existing three-span composite adjacent concrete box beam bridge with a single span composite prestressed concrete adjacent spread box beam bridge.

The project consists of a structure replacement along Route 2005 (Blackman Street), carrying traffic over RJ Corman Railroad in the City of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County with roadway improvements to the shoulders, sidewalks, guide rail, and ADA compliant facilities. The proposed structure and approach roadway will adhere to PennDOT Publication 13, Design Manual Part 2, which will comprise of two (2) 10’-0” travel lanes and 6’-0” shoulders. The Route 2005 proposed horizontal geometry will match existing. The vertical alignment will be raised to provide a minimum 19’ clearance over the RJ Corman Railroad.

A detour for Route 2005 (Blackman Street) will be required to perform the proposed work.  Route 2005 traffic will use a 5.4-mile detour using state and township roads, including: South Main Street, Pennsylvania Boulevard, Dana Street, High Street, Hazle Street, South Wilkes Barre Boulevard, Coal Street, and Business Route 309 (Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard). The detour is expected to last approximately six (6) months during construction.

From points west of the structure:

·       Head west on Route 2005 (Blackman Street) for 0.1 miles;

·       Turn right onto South Main Street and head north for 0.1 miles;

·       Turn right onto Pennsylvania Boulevard and head north for 0.7 miles;

·       Turn right onto Hazle Street and head east for 0.1 miles;

·       Turn left onto Hill Street and head east for 0.2 miles;

·       Turn left onto Wilkes Barre Boulevard and head north for 0.8 miles;

·       Turn right onto Coal Street and head east for 0.8 miles;

·       Turn right onto Route 309 (Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard) and head south for 1.4 miles;

·       Turn right onto Route 2005 (Blackman Street).

From points east of the structure:

·       Head east on Route 2005 (Blackman Street) for 1.3 miles;

·       Turn left onto Route 0309 (Wilkes-Barre Township Boulevard) and head north for 1.4 miles;

·       Turn left onto Coal Street and head west for 0.8 miles;

·       Turn left onto Wilkes Barre Boulevard and head south for 1.0 miles;

·       Continue straight onto High Street and head south for 0.2 miles;

·       Turn right onto Dana Street and head west for 0.1 miles;

·       Turn left onto Pennsylvania Boulevard and head south for 0.4 miles;

·       Turn left onto South Main Street and head south for 0.1 miles;

·       Turn left onto Route 2005 (Blackman Street).