Powells Valley Road over Rattling Creek Superstructure Replacement

County: Dauphin
Municipality: Jackson Township
State Route: 4013-016
Local Name: Powells Valley Road over Rattling Creek
Project Type: Superstructure Replacement
MPMS Number: 90849
Proposed Construction Start: Spring/Summer 2027
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2027
Last Updated: September 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 4013-016 bridge superstructure replacement project is located along Powells Valley Road (Route 4013) over Rattling Creek in Jackson Township, Dauphin County, approximately 1 mile south of Lykens. 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, new bridge deck, bridge abutment repairs, full depth roadway pavement reconstruction at the bridge approaches, and upgrading guide rail to current standards. The proposed roadway width will remain similar to the existing conditions, maintaining the 10’-0” travel lanes and widening the shoulders to a uniform 6’-8” width.

Environmental and Permitting

Rattling Creek, an unnamed tributary to Rattling Creek, and one wetland were identified in the project area. In-stream construction work is restricted from February 15th to June 1st and from October 1st to December 31 due to the presence of trout. No in-stream work is anticipated at this time. Coordination for threatened and endangered species is ongoing, with surveys already conducted. A Section 4(f) Temporary Occupancy Form has been completed for trail segments on borough property. Preliminary cultural resource investigations found no historical resources in the project area. An approved Chapter 105 Programmatic E22-99999 Permit is anticipated to cover the required superstructure activities. 

Traffic Control During Construction

Traffic will be maintained throughout the duration of the project via staged construction. Temporary traffic signals will allow for one lane of travel through the project site during construction. Driveway access will be maintained at all times during construction to the Lykens Borough Water Plant. The gated Lykens Borough Reservoir access roadway, used by the SAMBA East Branch Road Trail, in the northeast bridge quadrant will be closed to vehicular traffic throughout construction. Pedestrians and Bikers will have access to the SAMBA East Branch Road Trail.

Utilities

There is an overhead utility line running from the southwest corner over the bridge approach and Rattling Creek to the northeast corner of the bridge. There are underground waterlines south of the bridge which are outside of the limits of construction. 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 improvements including roadside grading, tree trimming and 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 Main Street (Route 0209) over Wiconisco 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 $1,062,020.

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 017 (Market Street) over Rattling Creek, and Route 209 (Main Street) over Wiconisco Creek.