Schafer Drive bridge in Upper Burrell to close for 10 weeks later in year

A bridge replacement on Schafer Drive in Upper Burrell will close a section of that road for 10 weeks starting in early September.

The $500,000 project will replace the current single-lane, open grate steel bridge with a wider, precast span, said Melissa Maczko, spokeswoman for PennDOT, District 12.

The bridge crosses crosses Little Pucketa Creek, at Milligantown Road. The annual average daily traffic is 230.

The Schafer Drive bridge was among 40 structures rated as “Poor” by transportation agency engineers in PennDOT records.

Before the project begins, a municipal waterline will be relocated, Upper Burrell officials said.

Supervisors Chairman Ross Walker was happy to learn of the bridge replacement. Built in 1930, the bridge is used primarily by area residents, he said.

“It’s not a major artery but it has been on the township’s and PennDOT’s radar for a longtime,” Walker said.

Walker was also pleased to learn that the span will be increased from one lane to two lanes.

Supervisors told residents five years ago that PennDOT has scheduled the project in 2022.

PennDOT’s recommended detour from Milligantown Road takes drivers to Route 56, Melwood Road and Markle Road, which becomes Schafer Drive.