SR 422 Schuylkill River Bridge Replacement

Sector: Bridges
Location: Montgomery County, PA | Owner: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation | Cost: $98.8 Million | Completion: 2021

Details: JBC Associates was the Prime Consultant performing full-service construction management and construction inspection services during construction of this $98 million project in Upper Merion, West Norriton and Lower Providence Townships in Montgomery County. The S.R. 0422-SRB (Schuylkill River Bridge) reconstruction project provides for the replacement and expansion of the US 422 Schuylkill River Bridge and the widening and reconstruction of one mile of US 422 between the Route 23 and Route 363 Interchanges. As part of this project modern wider bridges were constructed to improve travel and carry US 422 motorists over the Schuylkill River, Norfolk Southern Railroad, an Upper Merion Township Trail, South Trooper Road, and the Schuylkill River Trail. The new 785-foot-long, 5-span twin bridge over the Schuylkill River carries eight lanes – double the lanes on the original structure. The project also includes construction of widened and reconstructed shoulders, new interchanges with PA 23 (Valley Forge Road) and PA 363 (Trooper Road) adjacent to Valley Forge National Historical Park, a new flyover ramp connecting US 422 with Valley Forge Road, installation of a new stormwater management system, ITS elements and a sound wall.

The project presented a unique set of environmental challenges such as maintaining a navigable waterway and protecting endangered species (Red Bellied Turtles, Northern Long Eared Bats, and a nesting Peregrine falcon) as well as the archeological relocation of cremated remains. Interfacing and communicating with various entities such as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Army Corp of Engineers, DEP/EPA, and the Conservation District was required to ensure compliance with the many environmental agencies and permits.