PennDOT to unveil plans for rehab of historic Youghiogheny River bridge in West Newton

PennDOT will hold an in-person meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 31, to display plans for rehabilitating the Route 136 bridge that crosses the Youghiogheny River in West Newton.

According to project planners, the proposed rehabilitation is intended to maintain the historic significance of the metal truss bridge, which was built in 1909.

The meeting is set for 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Simeral Square, a community park at 103 E. Main St. in West Newton. In case of bad weather, the meeting will be held inside the West Newton Senior Center, which is located across the street.

PennDOT representatives will be on hand to answer questions and receive comments about the project.

PennDOT intends to maintain traffic across the river throughout project construction by using a temporary bridge. On average, 6,548 vehicles cross the bridge every day, according to PennDOT data.

Consisting of three spans, the West Newton bridge is considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Bridges, according to PennDOT.

It is one of less than 10 pin-connected Parker through truss bridges in Pennsylvania. That bridge design is named for engineer C. H. Parker, who was associated with its development in the mid-19th century.

It is among more than 140 state-inspected bridges in Westmoreland County that were listed in overall poor condition earlier this year.

It has received notice for “advanced structural deterioration,” with a poor rating for its superstructure.

The bridge most recently underwent a preservation effort in 2010, following previous rehabilitation work in 1957 and 1984.

A 2018 report also found the bridge lacking in adequate handicapped-accessible facilities for pedestrians.