en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) has opened a new steel arch bridge at Hawk Falls, replacing a structure over Mud Run Gorge in Carbon County that had been in service for more than 85 years. Located at milepost 88.59 on the Northeastern Extension, the $88 million project features a four-lane bridge spanning 720 feet, with the deck nearly 200 feet above the water. Traffic was shifted to the new bridge in May 2026, demolition of the old bridge is scheduled to begin next month, and the entire project is expected to be completed by fall.
The new bridge is a steel arch structure with a main span of 465 feet, supported by three arches, replacing the previous steel truss bridge. It provides two lanes in each direction, with wider shoulders and a median than the old bridge, accommodating the current daily traffic volume of over 24,000 vehicles, which exceeds pre-pandemic levels. To reduce long-term maintenance needs, the new bridge uses weathering steel and eliminates expansion joints. The arch ribs contain approximately 8 miles of wiring, equipped with full lighting, and integrated electrical and ventilation systems facilitate future inspections. PTC Chief Engineer Brad Heigel stated that the bridge's unique custom design and construction choices integrate environmental, aesthetic, and long-term operational needs, not only enhancing the natural beauty of Hickory Run State Park but also providing more parking space for drivers and emergency responders in emergencies, supporting safer travel.
Construction began in 2022, utilizing 3,304 tons of structural steel, 4,800 cubic yards of concrete, and over 1.1 million pounds of reinforcing steel. Large cranes used for erecting the arches were transported in sections, each requiring about 70 truckloads, and were assembled on site. The project also includes the reconstruction of the nearby Hickory Run Road Bridge in Penn Forest and Kidder townships. Trumbull Corp served as the construction contractor, and engineering firm Modjeski and Masters—the original designer of the 1950s old bridge—again served as the lead designer for the new bridge. Thomas P. Murphy, Senior Vice President of Modjeski and Masters, stated that collaborating to upgrade the Hawk Falls Bridge was an honor for the entire design team, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike's strong project leadership and skilled staff contributed to an excellent collaborative outcome.
Construction management firm STV oversaw on-site demolition and construction supervision. STV Resident Engineer Terry Davies noted that the bridge will become an asset for the commission and a landmark at Hickory Run State Park for many years to come.
The Hawk Falls Bridge replacement is one of over 40 active projects on the Pennsylvania Turnpike system this construction season. PTC Chairman and Pennsylvania Secretary of Transportation Michael Carroll stated that every Pennsylvanian deserves a safe and reliable transportation network, and modernized bridges improve accessibility and traffic flow, helping drivers reach their destinations safely and quickly. In the 2025 construction season, the commission reinvested over $737 million in toll revenue into maintenance and modernization. Since 2024, it has supported over $1 billion in construction bids, including completing system-wide open-road tolling facilities and 27 miles of full reconstruction. PTC CEO Mark Compton said that by strengthening key transportation corridors and improving travel reliability, PTC is driving the provision of a safe and reliable road system that supports travel and national commerce. PTC and its project partners received a National Recognition Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) for the Hawk Falls Bridge project. Trumbull Corp Co-CEO Tim O'Brien added that the bridge is not just infrastructure, but a lasting connection that people will experience and appreciate every day.
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