River Road over Witmer Run Bridge Rehabilitation

County: Lancaster
Municipality: Manor Township
State Route: Route 3017-034
Local Name: River Road
Project Type: Bridge Rehabilitation
MPMS Number: 101077
Proposed Construction Start:  February 2027
Proposed Construction End:  August 2027
Last Updated: November 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plans display regarding the River Road (Route 3017 ) bridge preservation project.  This project is located over Witmer Run in Manor Township, Lancaster County. The bridge location is approximately 1/8 mile west of the Conestoga River at the intersection of River Road and Safe Harbor Road.  The purpose of this project is to provide a continued safe and efficient crossing on River Road over Witmer Run.

The project includes the rehabilitation of River Road bridge. The proposed work involves steel beam repairs, bridge painting, rock scour protection, resealing of deck joints and concrete repairs. Temporary contractor access will be installed on the downstream side of the bridge. The roadway will remain open throughout construction.  Temporary flagging operations will be required for portions of the construction.

The project is currently in design and construction work is anticipated to take place in the 2027 construction season.

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

The existing structure was built in 1942 and is a single-span steel beam bridge supported on concrete abutments. The bridge length is 30 feet and has a curb-to-curb width of 28 feet. The project consists of repairs to the 83-year-old, single-span steel I-beam concrete bridge including steel beam repairs, full painting, rock scour protection, resealing of deck joints, concrete repairs and tree trimming. Contractor access is proposed on the downstream side of the bridge on each side of the stream.

Environmental 

The project is located in rural, rolling terrain about one mile from Safe Harbor in Lancaster County near the Susquehanna River. Residential properties are located to the west of the bridge. Forested areas are located to the east of the bridge. Conestoga River Park, Safe Harbor Park, and a church are nearby but outside the project limits. Environmental review includes historical, archaeological, aquatic, and protected species investigations.

Witmer Run is managed for Warm Water Fishes (WWF) and Migratory Fishes (MF). The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) does not designate Witmer Run as a Wild or Trout Stocked Stream. Similarly, the Conestoga River, located less than 0.5 miles downstream, is also not classified by PFBC as a Wild or Stocked Trout Stream.

Utilities 

Aerial utilities within the project area are not expected to be affected by the proposed work. The PA One Call found no underground utilities.

Right-of-Way

Permanent and temporary right-of-way acquisitions are anticipated from three adjacent properties for the proposed work. Temporary construction easements will be required to provide the contractor with direct access to the underneath of the bridge from the downstream side.

Maintenance and Protection of Traffic 

Traffic will remain open through the project site during construction. Long-term traffic control will include advanced work zone signs and channelizing devices along the south side of Route 3017 River Road to mark the contractor work area. For brief roadway encroachments, short-term traffic control with flaggers will be used; otherwise, all lanes will stay open.

Schedule and Cost 

Tree trimming/removal is anticipated to start in early spring 2027. The bridge construction work will take place over three months in summer 2027. The project is estimated to cost $375,000.