New Salina Bridge open to traffic; demo of old span still to come

After more than a year of construction, motorists can now cross the Kiski River on the new Salina Bridge.

The span carries Bridge Street over the river and Norfolk Southern railway tracks between Bell and Kiski townships.

Stretching 650 feet, the bridge features two 11-foot-wide lanes and 5-foot shoulders.

The $33 million PennDOT project replaces the old Salina Bridge.

Built in 1906, that bridge was last rehabilitated in 1978. But it couldn’t handle vehicles that weigh more than 10 tons, which included fire trucks and most large delivery trucks.

Still standing about 100 feet downstream, the old bridge is set to be demolished early next year, during its 120th anniversary.

PennDOT spokesperson Melissa Maczko said Mekis Construction, the project’s main contractor, will conduct a slow, controlled demolition.

She said the contractor will cut the main trusses of the bridge and slowly lower the structure to the ground, where it will be dismantled and recycled.

Aside from the demolition of the old span, Maczko said, crews still have to pave the roadway approaches on each side of the new bridge. She said that will occur this spring.

Still, she’s glad to see the new structure open to traffic.

“It’s a celebration,” Maczko said.

She said the remaining work and finishing touches of the project will continue through 2026.