July 19, 2016
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project team completed another bridge in Clearfield County today, as the Route 53 (Morrisdale Allport Highway) Bridge (JV-36) over Emigh Run in Morris Township opened to traffic.
Construction began in early July with traffic being detoured for two weeks, and was completed on Tuesday, July 19. The work was performed by Clearwater Construction of Mercer, PA. The new crossing is longer and wider than the one it replaced and is designed with a 100-year lifespan.
Motorists will encounter a shoulder closure after the road is opened to traffic to complete the remainder of the construction activities.
Motorists may notice bumps as they drive across the bridge until a polyester polymer concrete (PPC) overlay is applied to the bridge deck. Often, this is the final step in completing bridge projects. The PPC overlay is designed to protect the deck from deterioration brought about by Pennsylvania's harsh winters and reduce the long-term maintenance costs. The polyester material can only be applied when temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees and after the bridge concrete has cured for at least 28 days. Crews systematically advance from bridge to bridge, coordinating efforts across the entire Commonwealth. Some bridge locations may require adjustments to the roadways approaching the bridge.