A side view of the Route 72 bridge, showcasing gravel that had been laid in the Swatara Creek to allow crews to work on the bridge. (Will Trostel)
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Work began Monday, April 22, on the replacement of the Route 72 bridge in Frog’s Hollow over the Swatara Creek.
Traffic continues to be an issue for the project as, despite the signs, several tractor-trailers were observed making U-turns during LebTown’s brief visit to the site on Wednesday.
Frog’s Hollow bridge over the Swatara Creek located on Route 72 looking north during construction. Traffic continues to be problematic in the area as a truck is seen turning around in the Offroad Motorsports parking lot. (Will Trostel)
Traffic continues to be problematic in the area, as a Walmart truck backs up and has to turn around, seen here. (Will Trostel)View directly overhead of the Frog’s Hollow bridge construction on Route 72. (Will Trostel)
Work is expected to wrap up by Nov. 20. Within a few days of starting work, the middle span of the bridge had already been taken down.
A detour is in place for road traffic utilizing routes 22 and 343, while cyclists can use Jonestown Road, the Lebanon Valley Rail Trail, and New Bunker Hill Road.
Route 72 still remains partially open to homeowners in the area of the project, although the bridge cannot be crossed. (Will Trostel)
A side view of the Route 72 bridge, showcasing gravel that had been laid in the Swatara Creek to allow crews to work on the bridge. (Will Trostel)
A temporary signal has been placed at the intersection of Market and Lancaster streets in Jonestown Borough to assist with traffic flow during construction. Access to all businesses, homes, side roads, alleys, mailboxes, and fire hydrants within the project limits will remain available throughout construction.
The $4.96 million project will include replacement of the existing structure, minor roadway reconstruction, guiderail improvements, and drainage improvements.
Overhead view of Route 72 including the bridge in the foreground and Offroad Motorsports in the background, looking northwest. (Will Trostel)Bridge construction of the Frog’s Hollow bridge on Route 72 in the foreground with Jonestown in the distance, looking northeast. (Will Trostel)Crews were actively working to cut down trees as part of bridge reconstruction on Wednesday, April 24. (Will Trostel)The existing bridge was built in 1930. It is a two-span arch structure with a center pier in the Swatara Creek and a narrow concrete deck. (Will Trostel)The new bridge will consist of prestressed concrete beams, a concrete deck, and concrete abutments/piers. Final asphalt paving will occur in spring 2025. (Will Trostel)
An overhead view of active construction on Frog’s Hollow bridge along Route 72. (Will Trostel)
Crews were actively working to cut down trees as part of bridge reconstruction. (Will Trostel)
Overhead view of Route 72 including the bridge in the foreground and Offroad Motorsports in the background, looking northwest. (Will Trostel)
Susquehanna Valley Construction of New Cumberland was awarded the $4.96 million contract. (Will Trostel)
The new bridge should open in November, according to PennDOT. (Will Trostel)
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William Trostel is a full-time freelance photographer/videographer based out of Lebanon City. Beginning his career as a hobbyist trying to film his friends skateboarding, his camera quickly turned into a passion. Within two years of being a hobbyist, William began to book portrait sessions and commercial...
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