March 4, 2010
DCNR Dismantling Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge

Major Deficiencies Forced Mid-December Closing of Deteriorating Span
Harrisburg – Bureau of State Parks Director John W. Norbeck today announced work crews have begun dismantling the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail Bridge, a span across the Pennsylvania Turnpike near Somerset that has been closed to ensure safety of bridge users and passing motorists.

“Demolition progress will be heavily dependent on the weather, but complete removal of the span is scheduled to be undertaken and completed the weekend of March 13-14,” Norbeck said.

 As a result, the Pa. Turnpike Commission has posted travel advisories alerting turnpike travelers to possible traffic stoppages and/or pacing from 7 p.m. to 9 a.m. between the Donegal and Somerset exits. On Sunday, March 14, from midnight to 6 a.m., all lanes will be closed, both directions, for overhead bridge removal, along with other necessary work. Also, some single-lane closures will be made Saturday night, March 13, to prepare for the Sunday closure.

 Built in 1970, the bridge was closed by DCNR after a Dec. 17 inspection cited conditions that could endanger hikers and snowmobile riders using the bridge, as well as turnpike travelers passing beneath.

 “The safety of all concerned always has been our top priority in addressing this bridge,” Norbeck said, “and we remain cognizant of just how important its replacement is to so many outdoors enthusiasts in the Laurel Highlands.”

 DCNR engineers have begun working on replacement plans for a larger span that could be complete and put out for bid by early next year, the bureau director said.

 “Meanwhile, our bureau is working to accommodate some of the trail-user groups and remains committed to working closely with them,” Norbeck said.

 Earlier this year, DCNR conducted an emergency project that removed deteriorated bridge components. Presently, gates permitting bridge access are closed, and temporary barricades alert trail users to bridge conditions and its closure.

 A larger replacement structure will reconnect various trail systems in the Laurel Highlands, while facilitating any possible future turnpike widening in the bridge area. The span is located just about midway between the Somerset and Donegal turnpike exits, and is owned by the Bureau of State Parks. No timeline has been established for new bridge construction.

 The span will reconnect the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail, a 70-mile corridor running north and south through state parklands and Forbes State Forest. Part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is a major regional recreational attraction, drawing 80,000 to 100,000 hikers and other visitors a year.   For more information, telephone Laurel Hill State Park Complex Manager Mike Mumau: (814) 445-7725.