CHELTENHAM TWP, PA — Travelers in Bucks and Montgomery counties are gearing up for significant disruptions as the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) embarks on an ambitious project aimed at ensuring the safety and efficiency of local crossings. The initiative, set to begin on Monday, April 8, will see the rehabilitation of the Ashbourne Road bridge over Branch of Tookany Creek in Cheltenham Township, Montgomery County, alongside the replacement of six culverts across both counties.
The Ashbourne Road bridge, a historic structure built in 1910 and spanning 38 feet wide, is a vital conduit for an average of 1,609 vehicles daily. PennDOT’s comprehensive rehabilitation plan includes reconstructing the brick arch bridge’s spandrel walls, wing walls, and parapets with concrete stone-facing walls, a move designed to preserve its aesthetic while enhancing structural integrity.
However, this necessary work comes with a caveat for motorists and pedestrians alike. From April 8 through early August, Ashbourne Road will be fully closed between Old York Road and Park Avenue. A detailed detour will reroute traffic via Mountain Avenue, Union Avenue, Montgomery Avenue, New Second Street, Church Road, and Route 611 (Old York Road). Pedestrians are not left out, with a separate detour guiding them across Park Avenue, Elkins Avenue, Spring Avenue, and Route 611 (Old York Avenue).
Drivers are advised to brace for potential delays and backups as the construction unfolds, with PennDOT urging those traveling through or around the work area to allocate extra time for their journeys. The entire project, sensitive to weather conditions, may see adjustments in its timeline based on climatic factors.
This extensive $7,987,000 state-funded project, managed by Loftus Construction, Inc. of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, doesn’t stop at the Ashbourne Road bridge. Six more structures in Bucks and Montgomery counties are slated for culvert replacements, including crossings over Branch of Mill Creek, Hickory Creek, Branch of Unami Creek, Branch of Pidcock Creek, Crossmans Run, and a Tributary of the Schuylkill River. These efforts collectively aim to bolster the region’s infrastructure resilience and maintain safe passage for its residents.
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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