The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today, Aug. 12, a portion of the Airport Road Bridge over Interstate 78 in Bethel Township, Berks County, will be removed. Beams on the bridge were struck this past weekend by a truck hauling a large piece of construction equipment, causing irreparable damage to the structure.
Starting tomorrow, Aug. 13, at 9 a.m., workers will begin to remove the center span of the three-span structure. During this work I-78 east and west will be restricted to a single lane between exits 13 (PA 501) and 15 (Grimes). The single lane conditions are expected to remain in place until the workers are ready to remove bridge beams on Saturday (Aug. 16).
Then at some point on Saturday (Aug. 16), I-78 will be completely closed between exits 13 (PA 501) and 16 (Midway) for approximately 15 hours while six overhead beams are removed. During this temporary closure I-78 east traffic will follow the marked Green Arrow Detour, and I-78 west traffic will follow the marked Orange Arrow Detour. Updates will be provided as traffic conditions change.
Motorists are advised to use caution and be alert for slow or stopped traffic when driving through this area.
The Airport Road Bridge was closed this past Saturday due to the beam damage. Airport Road will remain closed indefinitely between Old Route 22 and Schubert Road. Airport Road traffic is advised to seek alternate routes.
Design work has begun for a new Airport Road Bridge over I-78. The design is estimated to be complete in two-to-three years, at which time a construction contract will be put out for bids.
The bridge is a three-span, adjacent box beam bridge that was built in 1959. It is 33.5 feet wide and 177 feet long with a vertical clearance of 14 feet two inches.
The bridge was reduced to a single lane in September 2002 when two of the bridge’s eight beams were removed as a result of being hit by a truck.
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