Detours Ahead: Bridge Replacement Project on Route 441 to Disrupt Lancaster County Commutes

Bridge closed© Sergey Novikov / Canva

MANOR TWP, PA — Motorists, cyclists, and truck drivers traversing Lancaster County’s Route 441 (Water Street) are set to face significant route changes as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) embarks on a bridge replacement project. The bridge, which serves as a crucial connector over Shumans Run between Manor Street and Conestoga Street in Manor Township, is slated for closure starting Thursday, April 4, weather permitting.

The closure marks the beginning of a comprehensive effort to replace the aging infrastructure, with work projected to extend until May 31, 2024. Given the bridge’s key role in local and through traffic, the project is expected to cause considerable backups and delays, impacting daily commutes and logistical operations in the area.

PennDOT has laid out multiple detour routes to accommodate the diverse needs of road users affected by the closure. For car drivers, a detour will reroute traffic via Route 462, 15th Street, Manor Street, Franklin Road, Central Manor Road, and finally onto Route 999 (Penn Street). Truck operators, facing restrictions on smaller roads, will be directed along a separate detour utilizing Route 30, Route 741, and Route 999 (Penn Street). Cyclists are not left out of the planning, with a designated bicycle detour guiding them through Manor Street, Hempfield Street, and Charlestown Road.

The detours, while necessary, introduce complexity into what are typically straightforward routes, potentially leading to confusion and extended travel times. Motorists are advised to plan their journeys with these changes in mind, allowing extra time for navigation and potential congestion along the detour paths.

The $1,657,024 project, contracted to JVI Group, Inc., is part of broader efforts to update aging infrastructure, ensuring roads remain safe for all users.

As the community braces for the onset of construction and the associated disruptions, patience and flexibility will be key. Residents and commuters are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and adjust their travel plans accordingly, keeping safety and efficiency top of mind.

Drivers can check current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center. Stay updated on the latest news and information from MyChesCo with our free newsletter. Follow MyChesCo on Twitter at twitter.com/MyChesCo and like us on Facebook at facebook.com/MyChesCo.

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