Hawk Falls Bridge Replacement

M&M was selected by the client to replace the dual existing three-span, 750’ steel deck truss bridges as well as a three-span mainline bridge just north of the deck truss bridges. In the early 1950’s, the existing truss bridges were designed (by M&M) as a critical link on the new Northeast Extension (I-476) of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

At 190’, the Hawk Falls Bridge is the highest bridge on the entire Pennsylvania Turnpike and is located within the pristine Hickory Run State Park. Following an extensive evaluation of the existing bridge, M&M recommended that the PTC replace the existing bridges since it was nearing the end of its service life and is functionally obsolete. The replacement bridge is a single 720’ long steel bridge featuring a 480’ three-rib deck arch span flanked by steel girder approach spans. Similar to the existing configuration, the replacement bridge will carry two traffic lanes in each direction and will also provide 12-foot-wide outside shoulders and 6-foot-wide median shoulders, and was designed to accommodate future widening. Welded, steel box arch ribs were utilized to create an aesthetically pleasing structure that spans the deep Mud Run Valley.

In addition to replacement of the deck truss bridge, M&M also designed a replacement for the three-span mainline bridge just north of the deck truss bridges. This bridge will be replaced with a 120-foot single span, steel plate girder bridge.

Construction is started in 2023 and is ongoing.