Pennsylvania rail authority advances three bridge projects

The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) has awarded contracts for two bridge projects and expects to award a contract for a third project next month.

The Pennsylvania authority let a contract to Lycoming Supply Inc. to reconstruct the White Deer Bridge as part of an effort to return rail service to the Allenwood area, primarily for the Great Stream Commons Business Park. The bridge was severely damaged by flooding in 1996 and was taken out of commission.

To begin in summer and be completed in fall, the $845,323 project calls for using the the bridge's old beams on new piers for the new structure. The JRA previously received a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery II grant for the project.

The authority also awarded a contract to Lycoming Supply to refurbish the Talleyrand Bridge's steel beams. The $214,855 project is slated to start in early summer and conclude in fall.

Originally a part of the Bellefonte industrial track, the bridge is an integral part of the Nittany and Bald Eagle Railroad, JRA officials said in a press release.

Meanwhile, the authority plans to open bids June 5 for the replacement of the Loyalsock Creek Bridge between Montoursville and Williamsport. The 80-year old bridge was demolished after being heavily damaged by flooding caused by Tropical Storm Lee in September 2011.

Design and specifications for the new bridge are complete. The JRA expects to award the contract on June 12.