MONROE COUNTY, Pa. — Road closed signs at the Route 715 bridge in Chestnuthill Township are all too familiar for people who use it daily.
David O'Neil lives nearby and says crews have been working on the bridge for years.
"They originally did work; I think it was two or three years ago. They patched up the bridge. We thought they were going to replace it then. They didn't replace it. Now, come two three years later, they're back."
The bridge over McMichael Creek is over 100 years old. PennDOT started work on Monday to replace it. Work includes replacing the existing two-span stone masonry arch bridge with a single-span concrete arch culvert.
PennDOT safety press officer Sean Brown says the new bridge will address issues that drivers have been complaining about for years.
"The structure will meet all current standards, so when we do finish it, there won't be a weight restriction on there with it being 15 tons. It does limit some of the vehicles to be on it. It will also be wider. Some of the parapets are tight in there on the shoulder so it will be wider to accommodate the traffic," Brown said.
During construction, there are two detours—one for cars and trucks.
Cars are being detoured onto Camp Akiba Road and Sterling Road.
Trucks are being asked to use Sugar Hollow, Route 115, Route 209, Greenview Drive, and Neola Road.
Those who use the bridge every day are thrilled to see construction happening but not the inconvenience it's causing.
"It definitely cuts us off," O'Neil said. "We feel like we are cut off from CVS, and Effort, and all the places that we go. My wife drives a school bus. She's cut off from the community. She has to go up to the right detour to go around to go to work, like, at 5 in the morning. So she spends an extra 10 minutes on the road just for that."
The project costs $1.5 million.
If all goes as planned, the new bridge is expected to be completed in May.
More information on the construction work and detours is available HERE.