Main Street over Wiconisco Creek Superstructure Replacement

County: Dauphin
Municipality: Lykens Borough and Wiconisco Township
State Route: 209-018
Local Name: Main Street over Wiconisco Creek
Project Type: Superstructure Replacement
MPMS Number: 99870
Proposed Construction Start: Spring/Summer 2027
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2027
Last Updated: August 2025

This project is one of three bridges in Lykens Borough to be bid in a single contract. Learn more about the two other bridges below under "Related Projects."

The Route 209-018 bridge superstructure replacement project is located along Main Street (Route 209) over Wiconisco Creek in Lykens Borough and Wiconisco Township, Dauphin County, at the eastern border of Lykens Borough. The purpose of this project is to provide a sustainable crossing, while also addressing existing bridge deficiencies.

The proposed work includes replacing the existing bridge deck and adjacent box beams with spread box beams, bridge abutment repairs, full depth roadway pavement reconstruction at the bridge approaches, and sidewalk replacement at the bridge approaches and across the bridge. The proposed roadway width will remain similar to the existing conditions, maintaining 12’-0” travel lanes and updating the shoulders to constant widths: 7’-0” left and 7’-8” right. The proposed sidewalk width will be 5’-11”.

Environmental and Permitting

Wiconisco Creek and an unnamed tributary to Wiconisco Creek were the only aquatic resources in the project area. No wetlands were identified. No in-stream work is anticipated at this time. Coordination for Threatened and Endangered species is ongoing. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted and identified a former gas station within the project area. A Phase II ESA geophysical investigation is recommended within the limit of disturbance. Wiconisco Creek is a recreational waterway. During project construction, a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission approved Aids To Navigation (ATON) Plan will be implemented. The plan will provide safe passage for recreational boaters along Wiconisco Creek through the construction site. Preliminary cultural resource investigations did not identify any resources to be present. An approved Chapter 105 Programmatic E22-99999 Permit is anticipated to perform the necessary superstructure activities.

Traffic Control During Construction

Traffic and pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the duration of the project via staged construction. Temporary traffic signals will allow for one lane travel through the project site during construction. Driveway access will be maintained to the Shell Gas Station and Lykens Beverage at all times during construction. Recreational boating use of Wiconisco Creek will remain accessible through the placement of approved signing detailed in the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission approved Aids-to-Navigation plan.

Utilities

There are overhead utility crossings at both the east and west bridge approaches outside of the proposed construction limits and will not be impacted. There are no underground utilities in the nearby area. De-energization, or relocation may be required to place the beams.

Right-Of-Way

No permanent right-of-way acquisition is anticipated for this project. Temporary construction easements are proposed to accommodate necessary site condition upgrades such as minor grading, tree trimming and existing driveway adjustments. 

Construction Schedule and Cost

Construction work is estimated to take place in the Spring and Summer of the 2027 construction season, with an anticipated completion of Fall 2027. Additionally, two nearby bridge superstructures, Market Street (Route 4013) over Rattling Creek and Powells Valley Road (Route 4013) over Rattling Creek, will be replaced as part of this contract and will be bid together. Construction of the three bridges will be coordinated to provide safe and efficient travel. The total estimated construction cost is $2,147,050.

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and solicit public input, questions, or concerns regarding this project.

This bridge is part of a 3-structure project that also consists of replacing superstructures on Route 4013, Section 016 (Powells Valley Road) over Rattling Creek, and Route 4013 Section 017 (Market Street) over Rattling Creek.