Bridge and Highway System Improvements

THE PROJECT
The primary focus of the project was the replacement of an aging 685-foot, four-span truss bridge across the Juniata River. The final project also entailed design for several transportation improvements benefiting the surrounding community, which includes a community park and the local junior and senior high schools.

Erdman Anthony was selected to provide preliminary engineering, final design, and construction consultation for the project.

In addition to managing the project and providing highway and structural design, Erdman Anthony established GPS ground control, developed photogrammetric mapping, and provided digital orthophotography for the entire project.

FEATURES/SOLUTIONS
Key features included:

•    A 730-foot, five-span continuous concrete bridge carrying PA Route 35 across the Juniata River on a
     new alignment
•    A 676-foot, five-span concrete pedestrian bridge over the Juniata River on the alignment of the old
     truss bridge
•    A 162-foot, two-span concrete beam bridge carrying PA Route 35 over Norfolk Southern railroad
     tracks that replaced the existing structure
•    A roundabout at the PA Route 35/Old US 22 (SR 3005) intersection, which was the first roundabout
     constructed in PennDOT District 2-0
•    A culvert under PA Route 35 providing pedestrian access to a municipal park and emergency
     vehicular access to an adjacent wastewater treatment facility
•    Improvements to the SR 3002/SR 3005 intersection in Mifflintown
•    A new river access ramp and street improvements at the municipal park in Mifflin

IMPACTS
The completed project provides lasting infrastructure and safer travel for motorists and pedestrians.

Erdman Anthony participated in a proactive public involvement program that included a citizen advisory committee and outreach to the local Spanish-speaking community.

A hydrologic/hydraulic study was also completed to evaluate impacts of both proposed river bridges on flood conditions, and each passed the 100-year flood event without overtopping.

Sustainable Design Impact The construction phase of the Juniata River Bridge Replacement Project was used as a pilot project for PennDOT’s Green Plan Policy, serving as a model for future projects supporting this initiative. Extensive use and re-use of local fill materials and plantings around stormwater detention ponds were key features of this effort.

Awards

2015 Diamond Honor Award, Transportation

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), Pennsylvania