PennDOT announces detours, shuttle service for 6-week closure of New Kensington Bridge

A six-week closure of the New Kensington Bridge will start Monday, PennDOT confirmed Tuesday.

The bridge spanning the Alle­gheny River between East Deer and New Kensington is scheduled to close to all traffic around 9 a.m. Monday and remain closed through Sept. 4.

The nearly century-old bridge is being closed as part of a $24.59 million preservation project that started in March and is scheduled to be finished in fall 2024. It includes various repairs and full painting.

Originally planned to be closed in 2024, the closure was advanced to this year.

Detour routes provided by PennDOT make use of the Tarentum Bridge, which was resurfaced recently.

Built in 1927, the New Kensington Bridge was named in 1984 for former state Rep. C.L. Schmitt. About 15,850 vehicles cross it daily.

In New Kensington, 10th Street running under the bridge will close to traffic during the same time.

In East Deer, the northbound Freeport Road underpass at the bridge closed Monday. It is expected to be closed through late September.

Motorists on northbound Freeport Road are using the ramp to the bridge to continue north toward Tarentum. Southbound traffic is not affected.

A shuttle with Elite Coach Transportation will be provided to help maintain service for transit riders. It will be at New Kensington Center City Plaza, the Tarentum park and ride, and Citizens Plaza Apartments.

The hours of service will be posted at each location, and copies will be provided on the buses, according to PennDOT.

Questions or comments about the shuttle service can be directed to Elite Coach Transportation at 724-325-2626 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

The pedestrian sidewalk on the bridge will remain open during this closure, PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said. The sidewalk will be closed later in the project, during which a shuttle will be provided.