Pennsylvania rail authority completes bridge projects

The central Pennsylvania-based SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) recently wrapped up three bridge improvement projects in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The projects' total cost was $2.9 million, which was funded with a $1.8 million state Rail Transportation Assistance Program grant, a $1.1 million match from JRA and $150,000 from the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, according to the authority's "Rail Alert" newsletter.

The projects involved:
• the raising by two feet of the 10th Street Bridge in Tyrone Borough, Blair County. That project involved three improvements. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. of State College won the bid to complete the work, valued at $2 million.
• the raising of the bridge over DeWitt Run in Unionville, Centre County. JRA contractor Lycoming Supply raised the bridge to increase space underneath from 15 to 45 inches. The authority also elevated nearby Main Street grade crossing in Unionville. Total cost: $225,000.
• the raising by 18 inches of the bridge over Dix Run, about a mile west of Unionville, along with related track work.