Comments sought on plans for bridge replacement, detour in Derry Township

PennDOT intends to replace an aging bridge on Route 982 in Derry Township and is inviting the public to review and comment on plans for the project.

Information and maps detailing the project, along with a proposed detour route, can be viewed online through Aug. 23.

Visit PennDOT.pa.gov/District12. Click on the “Public Meetings/Studies” link, select the “Westmoreland County” box and then choose the “Route 982 Bridge Project” tile.

The bridge in question crosses an unnamed tributary to Stony Run on a section of Route 982 between Coal Hill and Garrigan Hill roads.

The concrete slab bridge was built in 1937. Project planners expect to replace it with a precast reinforced concrete box culvert, with construction anticipated in 2024.

PennDOT expects closure of the project site for two weeks to allow installation of the new box culvert.

During that period, the official 21.3-mile detour would redirect traffic along Industrial Boulevard and routes 981 and 22.

Short-term, one-way closures of the road also would be required, with local traffic maintained.

As part of the project, PennDOT plans to realign the stream and improve drainage.

The project also will widen the roadway shoulders and bridge deck, with a curb-to-curb width of 30 feet, and will reconstruct the road on both sides of the culvert.

Natural gas and underground Verizon lines are to be relocated, and power lines would be moved temporarily to accommodate the construction.

Those unable to access the information online may provide feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Brian Svesnik at bsvesnik@pa.gov or 724-415-2400.