PennDOT, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners celebrate 500th bridge

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its Rapid Bridge Replacement Project development partner, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), recently opened the 500^th bridge to traffic. When completed, the multi-year project will allow PennDOT to remove 558 structures from its list of bridges rated in poor condition.

“We’ve all worked very hard on this innovative, complicated project that will speed the delivery of improved bridges across the state, especially in rural areas,” said PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. Richards. “Both Governor Tom Wolf and I are committed to improving transportation to all areas of Pennsylvania and this program is fulfilling that pledge.”

Completion of the new bridge carrying Route 4033 (Andersontown Road) over Yellow Breeches Creek in Fairview and Lower Allen Townships, at the Cumberland-York County line marked the 500^th milestone.

“This milestone completion is the latest result of proven partnerships across all levels of this historic project,” said David Casey, Heavy Civil President of Walsh Construction Company. “From PennDOT and project stakeholders to construction teams, subcontractors and residents, we are all working hand-in-hand to improve Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”    

“Marking the completion of the 500th bridge isn’t just a celebration for the Pennsylvania Rapid Bridge Replacement Project team, it’s a celebration of the collaboration, innovation and dedication of everyone involved, including the dozens of communities that have seen new and improved infrastructure in their neighborhoods,” said Ed Dice, Head of Delivery for Plenary.

Tasked with delivering an $899 million design and construction contract, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners is financing, designing, constructing and maintaining the bridges. PennDOT will be responsible for routine maintenance such as snow plowing, debris removal and incident first response.

The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project originated in 2013, when PennDOT was challenged by an aging bridge inventory and limited funding and resources. The P3 approach allows PennDOT to replace 558 of its roughly 3,000 bridges in poor condition more quickly while minimizing impact on motorists.

The consortium of companies within the development entity includes, Plenary Group USA Ltd. and Walsh Investors, LLC, which are providing financing and long-term management; a joint-venture construction team of Walsh Construction Company and Granite Construction Company; HDR, Inc., which is the lead design firm; and Walsh Infrastructure Management, which will provide maintenance for a 25-year period upon completion of the bridges.

About the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project:
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is an $899 million public-private partnership (P3) awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to the consortium of Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP). The project is an initiative to replace 558 aging bridges throughout Pennsylvania. PWKP will finance, design, replace, and maintain the bridges for 25 years. To see the bridges included in the statewide initiative and to learn more about the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project, visit www.parapidbridges.com.