New Kensington Bridge to close for 6 weeks starting in July

A scheduled closure to the New Kensington Bridge will happen a year sooner than expected.

The six-week closure is tentatively scheduled for July 17, with July 24 as a backup date, according to PennDOT spokesperson Steve Cowan.

Motorists also can expect the section of Freeport Road passing under the bridge to be closed and lane restrictions on Pittsburgh Street.

No detour information was available Thursday.

PennDOT project manager Mike Szurley said in December that drivers would not see any major restrictions on the bridge this year as part of a $25 million restoration project.

Cowan said general contractor Swank Construction has since decided to move the closure up a year, with PennDOT’s approval.

“This is the same work and closure that was planned for next year,” Cowan said.

Swank’s project manager, Shawn Murdock, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The two-year project began this spring and will include cosmetic updates, such as new light poles and a fresh coat of royal blue paint, as well as structural ones. Since April, drivers have experienced intermittent traffic stoppages as part of the construction.

During the closure, workers will install new expansion dams, complete steel repairs and place a latex overlay on the bridge deck.

PennDOT expects the project to be completed in fall 2024.

Motorists can monitor conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting www.511PA.com.