After nine months of hard work, the Pine Road Bridge in Northeast Philadelphia is finally open again, reconnecting Shady Lane and Bloomfield Avenue.
On December 20, 2024, the bridge reopened just in time for the evening rush hour, which brought much-needed relief to residents and commuters.
Because the bridge was closed for construction on March 18, 2024, many people had to change their routes and deal with delays.
The Department of Streets, under Commissioner Kristin Del Rossi, led the project to fix these issues and make the bridge stronger and safer.
As part of the project, the bridge was completely rebuilt to make sure it lasts for many years to come.
This included tearing down the old bridge and replacing it with new steel beams, a concrete deck, and a sturdy masonry barrier.
Also, the bridge’s foundation was repaired to ensure it could handle long-term use.
New features were added to make the bridge safer and easier for pedestrians, making it more helpful for everyone.
Specifically, a new pedestrian crossing has curb ramps that follow ADA rules, a sidewalk, bump-outs for slow cars, and flashing lights to make crossing easier.
In addition, workers relocated utilities, repaved the road, and added new pavement markings to improve the overall experience for drivers.
Loftus Construction, Inc. completed the construction, and the total cost of the project was $4.3 million.
In order to pay for the project, money came from different sources, including State Act 13, Automated Red Light Enforcement (ARLE) funds, and City Capital funds.
When announcing the reopening, Commissioner Del Rossi thanked the local community for their patience and understanding during the construction.
Even though the closure caused some inconvenience, she pointed out that the improvements were worth it for everyone’s safety and convenience.
In an official statement, the Department of Streets also thanked residents, saying, “The Department of Streets thanks the citizens for their patience and cooperation during the project’s construction phase.”
Now that the bridge is open again, it has made travel much smoother and faster for drivers and pedestrians.
The newly paved roads help drivers reach their destinations more quickly, while pedestrians enjoy safer and more convenient crossings with updated features such as ramps and flashing lights.
Because of careful planning and teamwork, the project was completed on time, demonstrating the collaboration between the city, contractors, and funding sources.
This project is a great example of how improving roads and bridges can improve the lives of local communities by creating safer and easier ways to get around.
With the Pine Road Bridge now reopened, the connection between Shady Lane and Bloomfield Avenue has been restored, which allows people to travel more easily through the area.
The successful completion of this project shows the city’s commitment to building better infrastructure and making travel safer and more convenient for everyone.
Now, residents and commuters can confidently use the bridge, knowing it was built to last and will serve the community for many years.
For more information about the Pine Road Bridge project or other updates, visit the City of Philadelphia’s official announcements.