Dunlap Creek Bridge Rehabilitation

County: Fayette
State Route: 4003
Local Name: Market Street
Project Type: Rehabilitation
Last Updated: 11/21/2024

The existing Dunlap Creek Bridge – listed on the National Register of Historic Places (National Register) and a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark – was constructed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1839 as the first cast iron metal arch bridge in the United States. It is a single-span, cast iron, arch rib structure that was modified in 1922 to replace bridge deck material and install cantilevered support brackets and sidewalks lined with replacement metal railings.

This project is designed as a sensitive rehabilitation of the historic bridge structure that will remove later encumbrances and restore views of the bridge. It will ensure continued structural integrity, stability, and soundness. The refurbishment will include the installation of a new midblock crossing and a pedestrian bridge for safety and accessibility.

Construction is anticipated to begin in late summer 2024.

Brownsville Borough, Fayette County

This project involves a deck replacement and will be constructed prior to the Dunlap Creek Bridge closure. It includes the rehabilitation of the existing bridge structure carrying Brownsville Avenue over Dunlap Creek in Brownsville Borough, Fayette County. The proposed rehabilitation work will strengthen the bridge so that the weight limit posting can be removed.

• The existing asphalt riding surface, concrete sidewalk and concrete barriers will be removed.
• The beams, which are to remain, will be repaired as needed.
• A new concrete deck, sidewalk, and barriers will be constructed on the beams.
• The new deck will be made composite with the beams to strengthen the bridge.
• The approach roadways will be paved from the intersection with Shady Avenue to the intersection with Seneca Street.
• Guide rail will be installed on the structure approaches.
  

There will be no changes to the existing roadway alignment, profile, or width. 
 
Traffic will be detoured during construction and is anticipated to be in place for two to three months. The detour route is approximately 0.3 miles and uses Ray Charles Way/Shady Avenue, Bank Street, and Route 4003 (Market Street).

Construction is anticipated to begin in late spring/early summer 2024. 

The anticipated, combined project cost of rehabilitating Dunlap Creek and Brownsville Avenue Bridges is $9-10 million.