Work scheduled for completion Dec. 20
PennDOT is relocating the temporary pedestrian bridge over the Amtrak line in Ridley Park, under a project to replace the Sellers Avenue bridge superstructure, the agency said.
The public is advised of anticipated periodic pedestrian bridge closures between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, and Thursday, Dec. 5, for preparation work.
During the closure, pedestrians will be directed to use Ridley Avenue and Swarthmore Avenue. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.
Once prep work is completed, pedestrians are advised of the following restriction:
· Thursday, December 12, though Friday, December 20, the current temporary pedestrian bridge will be closed 24/7 while the new temporary pedestrian bridge is constructed south of the existing structure.
The temporary pedestrian bridge was constructed in fall 2023 over the existing Sellers Avenue bridge to allow pedestrians to safely cross the railroad tracks during the project. Due to construction activities, the current temporary pedestrian bridge needs to be relocated.
The purpose of the project is to ensure a safe and efficient crossing over the Sellers Avenue bridge for all modes of transportation, as the bridge connects downtown Ridley Park Borough with the residential communities.
Under this project, PennDOT’s contractor will remove and replace the Sellers Avenue bridge superstructure with a 75-foot-long concrete box beam bridge with two 12-foot travel lanes and sidewalks on both sides. New concrete material will be placed behind the existing stone masonry abutments to increase stability.
In addition, the roadway profile is expected to be raised between three and four feet and the catenary system used to supply electricity to the railway system, which is currently attached to the bridge, will be rerouted along with railroad signals.
Improvements will also occur on the approach roadways to the bridge including East Ridley Avenue, Sellers Avenue, and Hinkley Avenue. Construction includes milling and resurfacing, stormwater management, and ADA curb installation.
Modernized traffic signals and emergency vehicle preemption (EVP) equipment will be installed at the Sellers Avenue and Swarthmore Avenue Intersection. EVP equipment, which provides a green light for emergency vehicles while motorists are stopped at a red light, will also be installed at the East Ridley Avenue and Swarthmore Avenue Intersection.
