PennDOT to begin construction on Markley Street, Elm Street Bridge project in Norristown

NORRISTOWN — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced that construction will begin on Tuesday, January 30, on a $7.8 million project to rehabilitate the Markley Street/Elm Street stone arch bridge over Stony Creek.

Under this project, PennDOT’s contractor is rehabilitating the 123-foot-wide structure by replacing the existing stone barriers with concrete core barriers, while using the bridge’s salvaged stone for the facing. Other improvements include repairing the stone masonry and arch; repointing mortar joints; installing scour protection; removing soil cover and backfilling with lightweight concrete fill; and installing a brown painted guiderail on the Markley Street approaches.

To enhance pedestrian safety and traffic flow, Markley Street will be reconstructed and widened at the bridge approaches, and pavement adjustments will enhance the locally owned Elm Street. In addition, upgraded traffic signals, ADA curb ramps, pavement markings, and new signage will be installed.

Beginning Tuesday, January 30, motorists are advised of the following travel restriction: Tuesday, January 30, through Friday, February 2, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a lane closure with flagging is scheduled on Markley Street between Marshall Street and Spruce Street/Harding Boulevard for utility work.

Other prelimnary construction work will require road closures with posted detours for Markley Street and Elm Street in the near future, PennDOT announced.

SEPTA’s Elm Street Station parking lot for the regional rail line is located adjacent to the bridge and work zone. Once the closures begin, motorists traveling northbound on Markley Street and eastbound on Elm Street will continue to have access to the parking lot.

Motorists traveling southbound on Markley Street and westbound on Elm Street will be directed to use the posted detour to gain access.

J. D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen, Chester County is the general contractor on this project, which is financed with 100 percent state funds.

Built in 1878, and carrying approximately 24,993 vehicles a day, the Markley Street/ Elm Street bridge is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Rehabilitation of the structure will be conducted in accordance with federal Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the PennDOT Stone Arch Bridge Maintenance Manual.