Pennsylvania Installs Temporary Bridge After Flood Damage

News Summary

After severe flooding on May 13, 2025, in Pennsylvania, Acrow Bridge has successfully installed a temporary modular steel bridge on U.S. Route 219, reopening the vital route less than two weeks after its closure. The new 100-foot bridge ensures continued transportation for approximately 4,700 daily vehicles, including large trucks, supporting the local economy. While a permanent replacement bridge is planned, the temporary structure demonstrates quick and efficient restoration of essential infrastructure.

Pennsylvania is experiencing a swift recovery after flood damage rendered a crucial bridge on U.S. Route 219 unusable. Acrow Bridge, an international bridge engineering and supply company, has installed a temporary modular steel bridge, allowing the route to reopen to traffic less than two weeks after the flooding occurred.

The flood, which struck on May 13, 2025, caused significant destruction to the bridge over Piney Creek, prompting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to close the structure for public safety. This closure impacted approximately 4,700 vehicles that relied on the bridge each day, including a substantial number of large commercial trucks. The temporary bridge installation is essential for minimizing disruption to the local economy and restoring vital transportation links.

In the wake of the flood, discussions began on how to expedite the reopening of U.S. Route 219. The decision was made to install a temporary modular steel bridge as a quick and cost-effective solution. An Acrow 700XS® bridge was selected for this purpose and subsequently rented to project contractor Merlo, Inc.

Components for the modular bridge arrived on May 20, 2025. Following their delivery, Acrow’s Field Service Representative provided critical guidance during the assembly process. The installation team worked diligently around the clock in 12-hour shifts, showcasing efficiency and commitment to ensuring the bridge was ready promptly.

By May 22, assembly operations culminated with the assembled bridge being launched and lowered onto its bearings by the evening. Continuous work proceeded overnight to complete the decking of the bridge. The newly constructed structure underwent a thorough inspection before it officially opened to traffic on Saturday, May 24, ahead of the anticipated schedule.

The temporary modular steel bridge spans 100 feet in length and features a roadway width of 30 feet. It has been designed according to PennDOT Design Manual Part 4 (DM-4) to support PHL-93 legal and P-82 permit loading. Additionally, the bridge is equipped with a crowned asphalt overlay and a guardrail system that meets TL-4 loading demands.

To minimize potential delays, the bridge was assembled and launched in alignment with the existing roadway, ensuring a seamless transition for vehicles. This strategic approach was praised by Acrow representatives for its durability and rapid installation capabilities.

While the temporary bridge serves as an immediate solution, PennDOT has plans for a permanent replacement bridge, which is expected to take several months to complete. The total estimated cost for both the temporary installation and the forthcoming permanent bridge is around $7 million, with funding sourced from state resources.

During the duration of the bridge closure, PennDOT utilized detours for both commercial and non-commercial vehicle traffic, highlighting the significance of maintaining a reliable transportation network. Community responses have underscored the bridge’s vital role in both economic activities and personal travel, emphasizing the urgency of these repair efforts.

The collaborative work between Acrow Bridge and local authorities demonstrates a strong commitment to restoring essential infrastructure and minimizing the impacts of natural disasters on communities.