PennDOT announced plans to replace the Route 611 bridge at the SEPTA Noble Station in Abington Township and Jenkintown Borough sometime this spring.

An exact timeline for the project has not yet been provided.

PennDOT officials described the 119-year-old bridge as “deteriorating” and in “poor condition.” The three-span structure spans two electrified railroad tracks of SEPTA’s R3 commuter rail line from Philadelphia to West Trenton.

The purpose of the project is to replace the existing bridge, which is a 115-feet three-span structure, with a new structure that will carry five lanes of traffic. The roadway width on the new bridge will be seven feet wider and the pedestrian walkway width will also be wider on both sides.

In addition, this transportation improvement project includes the installation of new stairs and ramps at all four corners of the bridge. These new structures will allow pedestrian access from both sides of Route 611. Currently, pedestrian access is only available via stairs on the east side of the bridge, which does not meet current ADA guidelines. The new pedestrian ramps at the bridge will be fully ADA-compliant.

Preliminary construction activity is scheduled to begin with a daytime operation to remove the existing median on Route 611 and replace it with temporary pavement for the next stage of construction. 

Following the completion of this preliminary stage, mainline bridge construction will commence with round-the-clock travel restrictions on Route 611. The bridge will be replaced one-half at a time. The plan is to initially replace the east side of the bridge and then the west side. Construction will continue until fall 2026.

Route 611 motorists will encounter lane closures and changing traffic patterns during this multi-stage bridge-replacement project. Drivers will need to allow considerably more time for travel through the corridor during construction because northbound and southbound Route 611 will reduce to one lane between Cloverly Avenue and Woodcrest Road.

In addition to the two-way, single-lane pattern, left-turn moves on Route 611 will be restricted at Rodman Avenue, Noble Station, Baeder Road, and various commercial driveways within the project limits. Detour signs will be in place to direct motorists to these locations.  

SEPTA Regional Rail service and customer access to Noble Station will be maintained during construction.

For all the latest news, follow us on Facebook or sign up for Glenside Local’s “Daily Buzz” newsletter here.