PennDOT will start construction today (July 27) to rehabilitate the bridge that carries Route 152 (Limekiln Pike) over SEPTA’s Regional Rail Line in Cheltenham and Abington townships.

Today through Friday, July 31st from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., a single lane closure is scheduled on Route 152 (Limekiln Pike) between Willow Grove Avenue and Mount Carmel Avenue, for overhead fiber optic work.

As construction progresses, short-term overnight closures will be needed periodically for approximately 10 nights for beam placement. During the overnight closures, Route 152 (Limekiln Pike) motorists will be directed to use Mount Carmel Avenue and Easton Road. Local access will be maintained up to the work zone. The entire project is expected to finish in summer 2021.

This bridge improvement project was driven by the need to address the bridge deck and superstructure which are both rated in serious condition due to deterioration and severe cracking observed during a recent bridge inspection. The structure, originally built in 1959, has a posted weight limit of 12 tons.

The $3,158,574 project consists of removing and replacing the existing bridge superstructure, including concrete railroad protective barriers, parapets, and sidewalks. The contractor will also repair the existing abutments and footings, as well as install a new approach guiderail, and concrete bridge approach slabs. The approach roadway will be resurfaced approximately 75-feet at each bridge end.