The Dekalb Street Bridge Project

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Project Description

This project invovles the complete replacement of the existing nine-span structure carrying Dekalb Street (Route 202) over the Norfolk-Southern Railroad in Bridgeport Borough, Montgomery County. The existing bridge was built by the Reading Company in 1927 to eliminate an at-grade crossing between the Railroad and Dekalb Street. The existing bridge was owned and maintained by the Reading Railroad Company until 1996, when ownership responsibilities were transferred to PennDOT.

The new superstructure will be a five-span continuous steel I-beam bridge with a composite reinforced cement concrete bridge deck. The new substructure will include two reinforced concrete cantilever abutments with four reinforced concrete piers. Four retaining walls will replace the existing walls on the bridge approaches. The new structure will carry two travel lanes in each direction with a curb-to-curb width of 46'-0". Sidewalks will be installed on both sides of the structure with a wider sidewalk on the west (up-river) side to accomodate the future Chester Valley Trail extension. Lighting consistent with Bridgeport Borough's streetscape project will be installed as part of this project. There is minor approach roadway widening north of the structure between Second and Front Streets. The traffic signals at the intersections of Dekalb & Fourth Streets and Dekalb & Front Streets will be replaced as part of this project.

Why Rebuild the Bridge?

Due to the deteriorated condition of the existing structure, a complete superstructure and substructure replacement is necessary. The existing bridge has a sufficiency rating of 3 out of 100, which is the lowest in the region. The substructure is rated "critical," and the superstructure and deck are each rated "poor."

What Roads Will This Affect?

Dekalb Street will be closed to all traffic between Fourth and Second Streets in Bridgeport Borough during construction. The posted detour route will utilize roads in Bridgeport, King of Prussia, and Norristown. Note that Second and Front Streets in Bridgeport will remain open during construction, providing access to Dekalb Street north of of the closure. More information on the posted detour routes can be found by following the link above or clicking here.