The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced a six-year maintenance project for the historic Market Street Bridge in Harrisburg. The bridge, which connects Harrisburg to Wormleysburg and City Island, will undergo extensive renovations starting in 2027, with completion expected by 2034. The project will involve resurfacing, a new bridge deck, and concrete work to maintain the bridge's structural integrity and historic character.
PennDOT initially proposed reducing the bridge from four lanes to three, but faced opposition from the city and the Harrisburg Senators baseball team. As a result, the bridge will maintain its four-lane configuration after construction. During baseball season, a single lane will remain open for fans attending games, while westbound traffic will be detoured for the remainder of the year.
The project also includes the construction of a separate utility bridge along the south side of the Market Street Bridge. This utility bridge will feature a 14-foot-wide pedestrian and bicycle path, addressing the community's demand for improved multimodal infrastructure. According to TheBurg News, this addition is a response to public feedback and aims to enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.
The eastern segment of the bridge, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, will see the rehabilitation of its historic arches and the replacement of its deck and sidewalks. The western segment will receive a new superstructure, including a deck and beams. PennDOT's goal is to preserve the bridge's historic integrity while improving its functionality.
Throughout the construction period, efforts will be made to minimize traffic disruptions. PennDOT's community relations coordinator, Dave Thompson, stated, "People coming to work in the morning, we want to impede traffic as little as possible during that time." The project will be executed in phases to ensure continued access across the Susquehanna River.
For more information on the Market Street Bridge rehabilitation plan, visit the official project website.