MERCERSBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invites the public to an online plan display regarding the Route 995 (Welsh Run Road) bridge restoration project planned for eight months in 2027. This project is located on Route 995 (Welsh Run Road) over Welsh Run in Montgomery Township, approximately six miles southeast of Mercersburg.
The purpose of this project is to rehabilitate the bridge and provide continued safe and efficient crossing of Route 995 over Welsh Run.
The existing structure was built in 1949 and is a single-span non-composite steel bridge supported on full-height masonry abutments at a 60-degree skew. The bridge length is nearly 30 feet.
The project involves the replacement of the beams and deck while keeping the existing abutments. Substructure masonry repairs, minor approach roadway reconstruction, along with guide rail, pavement marking and signing updates will also be completed as part of the project.
A temporary stream diversion (cofferdam setup) may be required based on the amount of masonry repairs to be completed on the abutments. The proposed roadway curb to curb width will remain similar to the existing conditions with 10-foot lanes and two-foot shoulders.
This section of Welsh Run Road has an average daily traffic volume of 1,113 vehicles per day.
The bridge will be closed to all traffic for approximately eight months during construction. The detour will be approximately 9.5 miles using Mercersburg Road, Buchanan Trail West and Welsh Run Road.
Overhead utilities are present at the site and may need to be de-energized or relocated so beams can be set.
The project is currently in design, and construction work is anticipated to begin in Spring 2027.
A digital version of the information is available to view online through June 27.
Information, including bridge plans and an interactive comment form, can be found by visiting the PennDOT District 8 website, clicking Projects Near You listed on the left side of the page, then the District 8 Projects, and choosing Welsh Run Road over Welsh Run Bridge Restoration.
The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon cultural resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. Those needing translation/interpretation services or with special needs or concerns that require individual attention may contact Robert Nuss, consultant project manager, at 717-516-7597 or email at [email protected].
Readers may subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties at PennDOT District 8.
Information about infrastructure in District 8, including completed work and significant projects, is available at District 8 Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at PennDOT Projects.
