Racoon Valley Road Bridge over Raccoon Creek

County: Perry
Municipality: Tuscarora Township
State Route: 017-020
Local Name: Raccoon Valley Road over Raccoon Creek
Project Type: Bridge Replacement
MPMS Number: 87485
Proposed Construction Start: Spring 2028
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2028
Last Updated: January 2026

The Route 0017 bridge replacement project is located along Route 0017 (Raccoon Valley Road) over Raccoon Creek in Tuscarora Township, Perry County, approximately eight miles southwest of Millerstown. The purpose of this project is to replace the existing bridge and provide continued safe and efficient crossing of Route 0017 over Raccoon Creek.

The existing single span reinforced concrete slab bridge was built in 1930 at a 60-degree skew to the roadway. The maximum opening width is 16 feet, measured along the skewed opening.

The project involves the replacement of the single span reinforced concrete slab bridge with a precast reinforced concrete box culvert. In addition to the replacement of the stream crossing, minor approach roadway reconstruction, along with guide rail, pavement marking and signing updates will also be completed as part of the project. A temporary stream diversion (cofferdam setup) will be required. The proposed roadway shoulder to shoulder width will provide two (2) 11-foot lanes and 6-foot shoulders.

This section of Raccoon Valley Road has an average daily traffic volume of 871 vehicles per day (vpd).

The bridge will be closed to all traffic for approximately six months during construction. The detour will be approximately 17 miles using Veterans Way, Waggoners Gap Road, Buffalo Trace Road, Buckwheat Road, and Creek Road. Please refer to the project’s Detour Plan graphic.

Overhead utilities are present at the site and de-energization, or temporary relocation may be required to place the precast concrete box culverts sections.

The project is currently in design, and construction work is anticipated to begin in Spring 2028 and last approximately six months.

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

Environmental Considerations

The project is located within a rural residential area. The properties surrounding the bridge are mainly active farmland. No impacts to productive agricultural lands are anticipated as a result of the project. No properties in the project area are eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

In-stream work will be limited and includes the temporary stream diversion required to divert stream flow around the work area. The impacts to Raccoon Creek are anticipated to be authorized by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) under a GP-11 Waterway Permit.

The Pennsylvania Water Quality Standards Title 25, Chapter 93, lists Raccoon Creek as a High-Quality, Cold-Water fishery (HQ-CWF) and migratory fishes (MF). There will be in-stream construction timing restrictions. Raccoon Creek is not a navigable stream or considered a designated Water Trail according to the PFBC.

A Wetland and Watercourse Identification and Delineation was conducted for the project area which identified a single wetland located northwest of the bridge. No disturbance to this wetland is anticipated.

There are no hazardous waste concerns in the project area.

Utilities

No underground utilities will be affected by the project. Overhead utilities are present at the site and de-energization, or temporary relocation may be required to remove the existing bridge and construct the new bridge.

Maintenance and Protection of Traffic

The project will be constructed utilizing a complete closure of Raccoon Valley Road and a detour. The detour is approximately 17 miles long and utilizes Routes 4007 (Creek Road), 4006 (Buckwheat Road), 849 (Buffalo Trace Road), and 74 (Waggoners Gap Road). Please refer to the project’s Detour Map graphic.

Schedule and Cost

The project is scheduled to be bid for construction in September of 2027 however construction is estimated to take place in the Spring/Summer of 2028 construction season. The estimated construction cost is $1,202,397.

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