Update Tuesday, Dec. 10 – PennDOT said Tuesday that the bridge will be open to traffic on Thursday, Dec. 12. At that time, the four-way stop at Rt. 72 and Thompson Ave will return to a two-way stop with stop signs on Thompson Ave. and no stop signs on Rt. 72. The temporary traffic signal at Market and Lancaster streets will also be removed.
The new Route 72 bridge over Swatara Creek in Frog’s Hollow could open as soon as this week, PennDOT said Monday, assuming the weather cooperates.
The $5 million project to replace the former 1930-era bridge began in April 2024. The project had originally been expected to wrap up by Nov. 20, but the timeline had been pushed back due to a hold up with utility relocations and a bald eagle nesting restriction.
Read More: Local man chronicles construction of Rt. 72 bridge over Swattie in photos, videos
The new bridge replaces a previous 1930-era, two-span arch structure that had a center pier in the Swatara Creek and a narrow concrete deck. The new bridge is made of prestressed concrete beams, a concrete deck, and concrete abutments on the stream banks.
Read More: Where to spot bald eagles in Lebanon County
The project also included minor roadway reconstruction, guiderail improvements, and drainage improvements. Line-painting is expected to happen on the new bridge Thursday.
Read More: Bridging the 20th and 21st centuries over the Swatara Creek
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