PennDOT To Open City Avenue Lanes Next Week

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — PennDOT plans to open two lanes on City Avenue/U.S. 1 under a $22.4 million project to rehabilitate the bridge that carries City Avenue over SEPTA in Lower Merion Township.

City Avenue is limited to a single lane in each direction between Bryan Mawr Avenue and 47th Street for excavation and temporary paving operations.

But, PennDOT said, City Avenue will reopen to two lanes in each direction between Bryn Mawr Avenue and 47th Street on Monday.

These lanes will be open through August, according to PennDOT.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work area because significant backups and delays may occur.

All scheduled activities are weather dependent.

Under this project, PennDOT’s contractor will rehabilitate the 114-year-old, 60-foot-long, 80-foot-wide, concrete arch bridge, which was previously widened in 1934.

Additional work includes repairing the structure’s sidewalks; replacing existing utility lines; rehabilitating and extending the retaining wall; installing new stormwater management; and resurfacing the bridge and roadway approaches.

Pedestrian access will also be improved between City Avenue, SEPTA's Bala Station, and the Parkside Cynwyd Trail with construction of new ADA curb ramps and stair system.