Don Lewandowski of West Newton is like many residents in a borough split by the Youghiogheny River.
He is looking forward to the estimated $17 million project that will include a temporary bridge and a subsequent upgrade of the aging West Newton Bridge.
“The bridge needs to be done. It’s going to have a big impact on the community,” said Lewandowski, the manager of Fox’s Pizza Den.
West Newton residents, business owners and commuters will be able to review plans and offer feedback to PennDOT and the Federal Highway Administration during an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, at the West Newton Senior Center, 103 E. Main St.
The 117-year-old bridge was listed in poor condition in 2022. The state anticipates beginning construction late this summer on a temporary bridge so traffic on Route 136 can continue to cross the river when the existing bridge is closed for renovations, said Brian Svesnik, a project manager for PennDOT’s District 12.
Timeline and logistics
The temporary bridge is projected to open in spring 2027. Svesnik said building the structure will take about six months, with an additional three months required to extend the roadway to the new crossing.
The renovation of the permanent bridge — which includes replacing the deck and repairing the trusses and substructure — is expected to be completed in 2028. According to a 2024 PennDOT map, the bridge carries about 3,200 vehicles daily.
“Without a temporary bridge, that would cripple us,” Lewandowski said, noting some of his employees do not have vehicles and must walk across the river to get to work.
The temporary crossing will run diagonally from the east side of the borough, downstream of Simeral Square, to the west bank near the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) trail.
Local perspectives
Mayor Mary Popovich said the temporary bridge is necessary to avoid significant disruptions to the community and emergency services. The closest alternative crossings are 5 miles away in Sutersville or 7 miles away on Interstate 70.
“It’s going to be tough, but I’m glad they are making a temporary bridge,” Popovich said. She noted, without it, the West Newton Fire Department would have to stage a truck on the west side of the river to ensure coverage.
Councilman Gary Johnson, who owns Gary’s Chuck Wagon restaurant, said the state intends to lease a portion of his land to anchor the western end of the temporary bridge.
“It’s really nice that they (PennDOT) offered that to us,” Johnson said. He recalled, when the bridge was closed for deterioration in 2010, local businesses suffered without a temporary route.
Ongoing improvements
Council President Jason Cooper said PennDOT has altered the plans numerous times to accommodate the town’s needs. He noted the project will be complemented by a $1.25 million multi-modal grant.
The grant money will fund bike lanes, improved streetscapes and better pedestrian access from the GAP Trail to downtown, Goehring Park, West Newton Elementary School and the West Newton Community Pool.
An online comment period for the bridge project will remain open through March 5.
