November 15, 2017
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its Rapid Bridge Replacement Project development partner, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), recently opened the 350th bridge to traffic. When completed, the multi-year project will allow PennDOT to remove 558 bridges from its structurally deficient list.
“Both PennDOT and PWKP have worked very hard on this innovative, complicated project that will speed the delivery of improved bridges across the state, especially in rural areas,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “Both Governor Wolf and I are committed to improving transportation to all areas of Pennsylvania and this program is fulfilling that pledge.”
Completion of the Route 616 (Seven Valleys Road) bridge, which spans the South Branch of Codorus Creek in Shrewbury Township, York County marked the 350th milestone.
“The culmination of a lot of hard work is represented in this milestone accomplishment for the PA RBR project,” said Ed Dice, head of delivery, Plenary Group. “The team approach between PWKP and PennDOT has been and will continue to be instrumental in completing 558 bridges.”
Tasked with delivering an $899 million design and construction project, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners is financing, designing, constructing and maintaining the bridges. PennDOT will be responsible for routine maintenance such as snow plowing, debris removal and incident first response.
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project originated in 2013, when PennDOT was challenged by an aging, structurally deficient bridge inventory and limited funding and resources. The P3 approach allows PennDOT to replace 558 of its roughly 3,400 structurally deficient bridges more quickly while minimizing impact on motorists.
Crews on the project have already replaced 141 bridges in the West region of the state, 119 in the Central region and 90 in the East region.
The consortium of companies within the development entity includes, Plenary Group USA Ltd. and Walsh Investors, LLC, which are providing financing and long-term management; a joint-venture construction team of Walsh Construction Company and Granite Construction Company; HDR, Inc., which is the lead design firm; and Walsh Infrastructure Management, which will provide maintenance for a 25-year period upon completion of the bridges.
