Update of July 11, 2007

1. The bid opening for the Route 997 bridge replacement project has been postponed from August to October 2007. Although it’s late in the season it is possible that some construction activity can start in December. However, it’s more likely that the contractor will start construction after the winter weather in early 2008. We still have quite a few utilities that need to relocate their facilities, and this can affect our bid opening date. We also have some right-of-way issues to address, but these should be wrapped up by October.
2. 
   Michael C. Lapano
   Senior Project Manager
   PennDOT, Engineering District 8-0
   2140 Herr St.
   Harrisburg, PA 17103
   T: 717-787-7482
   F: 717-705-5493
   e: mlapano@state.pa.us
    

March 31, 2007 

State Route 997 Section 009: PA 997 Bridge over I-81
Greene Township, Franklin County
MPMS # 19346
 
Project Scope
 
Replace the existing two lane structure which carries SR 997 over Interstate 81 with a new 5 lane pre-stressed concrete bridge. Provide two thru lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. Widen the existing approach roadway to accommodate the new structure. The structure is being designed so that if a future sixth lane is needed, the bridge can be modified to accommodate the lane without extensive structural rehabilitation. The District is phasing the construction stages of the project in order to advance the most critical elements of the work. The new bridge and approach roadways will be constructed first, the remaining upgrade to SR 997, east of the structure will be programmed as a separate project and let for construction at a later date.
 
Status
 
The bridge project is in the final design stage. Final construction plans are being prepared. Letting anticipated in summer 2007. Right of Way Plans have been prepared and the acquisition process is ongoing. Utility coordination efforts are continuing. Traffic will be maintained during construction. Construction is expected to be completed in two seasons.
 
Schedule
 
Letting: Summer 2007, Begin construction-late summer 2007, Open to Traffic-late summer 2009.
 
Michael C. Lapano
Senior Project Manager
PennDOT, Engineering District 8-0
2140 Herr St.
Harrisburg, PA 17103
T: 717-787-7482
F: 717-705-5493
e: mlapano@state.pa.us


►  September 07, 2006: The following are email responses to a request for information about the planned improvements to the bridge on Route 997 over Route 81 - next to the Chambersburg Mall. 

Subject: SR 997 Section 009 Bridge Replacement

The following is a brief summary of the SR 997 Section 009, Black Gap Road Bridge Reconstruction Project.

This project involves reconstruction of SR 997 at the Interchange with Interstate 81 in Greene Township Franklin County. The work involves replacement of the existing structure with a new prestressed concrete bridge. The new structure will carry five lanes, two through lanes in each direction and a center turn lane. Full shoulders will also be provided on the new structure. SR 997 will be widened to accommodate the new structure and provide additional capacity. This will include additional through lanes and dedicated turn lanes at the intersecting roadways as well as the entrances to the Chambersburg Mall. Other major items of work involve updating the existing signal at the intersection of SR 997 and SR 696, new signals at the Mall driveways, and a new signal at the intersection with the Interstate 81 ramps. Traffic will be maintained during construction. However, in some instances single lane operations may be necessary, but the duration should be relatively short. The project is estimated to start in the spring of 2007 and will take two construction seasons to complete. The estimated cost of construction is 10.0 million dollars.

Michael C. Lapano
Senior Project Manager
PennDOT, Engineering District 8-0
2140 Herr St.
Harrisburg, PA 17103

Also from Michael Lapano on September 11, 2006:

"...the anticipated new structure and associated roadway improvements were sized to handle traffic for at least 20 years in the future. Our analysis took into account the proposed future development of the Mall and the surrounding area....

"...the project is scheduled to be bid in the winter of 2007(Feb/March) so the contractor can begin in the spring and the work will take two full construction seasons to complete. Traffic will be maintained during construction, however there will be lane width reductions and some delays.
 
The scheduled bid date is contingent on acquiring all the necessary right of way and coordinating with Utilities that need to be moved."

Link to PennDOT South Central PA District 8 (includes Franklin County) website