County: Dauphin
Municipality: Reed Township
State Route: Route 147-022
Local Name: South River Road over Powells Creek
Project Type: Bridge Rehabilitation
MPMS Number: 90771
Proposed Construction Start: Spring 2028
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2028
Last Updated: January 2026

The South River Road (Route 147) bridge preservation project is located over Powells Creek in Reed Township, Dauphin County, PA. The site is located near the confluence of Powells Creek and the Susquehanna River. Norfolk Southern rail lines are located approximately 100 feet from the project site, running parallel to Route 147.

The purpose of this project is to provide a sustainable crossing over Powells Creek that provides a safe and efficient roadway system for motorists and to maintain the existing bridge.

The project involves performing bridge preservation work consisting of removing unsound/delaminated areas of the gunite coating, resetting bulged/displaced stones in the arch intrados and spandrel walls, repointing stone masonry, installing foundation drains and waterproofing over the arch, removing the earth fill over the existing arch and replacing with a lightweight cement concrete cap and geosynthetic reinforced soil fill, and reconstructing the roadway and guide rail.

This section of Route 147 has an average daily traffic volume of 6,608 vehicles per day (vpd).

Route 147 will remain open during construction. Work will be completed in four stages.  Stage 1 consists of temporary lane shifts to install temporary pavement. Stages 2 and 3 consist of single lane closures, maintaining one lane of temporary traffic in each direction utilizing temporary signals to complete top-side construction. Stage 4 consists of short-term lane closures for entry to complete underside construction and will utilize only short-term Maintenance and Protection of Traffic measures.

There are multiple utilities at the site. Five PPL poles, carrying overhead electric and telephone lines, will need to be relocated. There is a concrete encased 12-inch petroleum line running under the structure and along Powells Creek that will be temporarily buried for temporary access. Two petroleum lines (6-inch and 8-inch) cross Route 147 at an unknown depth. Subsurface exploration will be conducted in final design to determine if there will be any impacts.

The project is currently in design, and construction work is anticipated to begin in the spring of 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.

Route 147 (South River Road) bridge rehabilitation project is located over Powells Creek in Reed Township, Dauphin County, PA. Norfolk Southern rail lines are located approximately 100 feet from the project site, running parallel to Route 147.

The purpose of this project is to provide a sustainable crossing over Powells Creek that provides a safe and efficient roadway system for motorists and to maintain the existing bridge.

The project involves performing bridge preservation work consisting of removing unsound/delaminated areas of the gunite coating, resetting bulged/displaced stones in the arch intrados and spandrel walls, repointing stone masonry, installing foundation drains and waterproofing over the arch, removing the earth fill over the existing arch and replacing with a lightweight cement concrete cap and geosynthetic reinforced soil fill, and reconstructing the roadway and guide rail.

Work is expected to take place in the 2028 construction season.

Environmental

The project site is located north of Dauphin Borough, near the confluence of Powells Creek and the Susquehanna River. The surrounding terrain is relatively flat and consists of a mix of residential and commercial properties. There are three listed contributing resources within the project.  The Route 147 Bridge/Wiconisco Canal Aqueduct No. 3 (Listed Resource No. 1986RE00654) and Northern Central Railway Historic District (Eligible Resource No. 2010RE03887) will be temporarily impacted. There will be no impacts to Northern Central Railway (Rockville to Sunbury) Historic District (Eligible Resource No. 2019RE19789).

Utilities

There are multiple utilities at the site. Five PPL poles, carrying overhead electric and telephone lines, will need to be relocated. There is a concrete encased 12-inch petroleum line running under the structure and along Powells Creek that will be temporarily buried during construction within the pipe causeway. Two petroleum lines (6-inch and 8-inch) cross Route 147 at an unknown depth. Subsurface exploration will be conducted in final design to determine if there will be any impacts.

Right of Way

Right-of-way acquisition is anticipated on four parcels. The existing structure falls outside of the existing legal right-of-way. Right-of-way is being acquired to include existing structure limits. Temporary construction easements are required for temporary access.

Maintenance and Protection of Traffic

Route 147 will remain open during construction. Work will be completed in four stages. Stage 1 consists of temporary lane shifts to install temporary pavement. Stages 2 and 3 consist of single lane closures, maintaining one lane of temporary traffic in each direction utilizing temporary signals to complete top-side construction.  Stage 4 consists of short-term lane closures for entry to complete underside construction and will utilize only short-term MPT measures.

(Please refer to the project’s Staging graphic)

Schedule and Cost

Overall construction is anticipated to last approximately six months during the spring/summer of 2028 at an estimated construction cost of $4.2 million.  

(Please refer to the Anticipated Project Schedule on the Plans Display graphic)