​PA 715 Bridge over McMichael Creek

This project consists of the replacement of the load posted PA Route 715 over McMichael Creek in Chestnuthill Township, Monroe County.

This online plans display includes digital picture boards and an online questionnaire, and is available to the public from November 27, 2023 to December 17, 2023.

The purpose of the project is to maintain a safe crossing over McMichael Creek on PA 715 that meets current design criteria. The existing structure is in poor condition and needs to be replaced.

The existing structure is a twin stone/masonry arch bridge approximately 49' in length and 26' (curb-to-curb) in width, built in 1919 and rehabilitated in the 1930's. The bridge is currently posted with a 15-ton weight limit. 

The proposed structure is a single span pre-stressed concrete spread box beam bridge with integral abutments. The bridge will have a span of 71' and a curb-to-curb width of 30'. The horizontal alignment at the bridge will be shifted to the south by 7'. The shift will increase the horizontal roadway radius and upgrade the curvature of the road to meet current roadway standards. The shift will also minimize the impacts on the stream and the surrounding wetlands. The vertical alignment will also be improved to meet minimum grade requirements. Associated roadway work will include full depth roadway reconstruction and mill/overlay, guide rail installation, low-cost safety improvements, signing/pavement marking upgrades and reconstructing two private driveways.

Temporary construction easements and required right-of-way acquisition is anticipated to facilitate access and installation of the new structure/driveways. Utilities will be impacted by construction and relocations will be coordinated with utility owners.

PA 715 will be closed and detoured during construction. The proposed 8.4 mile detour will route traffic on US 209, Greenview Drive, and Neola Road.

Individuals or groups with a demonstrated interest within the project limits, surrounding businesses, and local property owners that may be affected by the proposed project are encouraged to review the displays and contact us with any questions.

It is anticipated that construction will begin in the summer of 2025 with an anticipated completion in the fall of 2026. All schedules are subject to change.

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project.

It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project's potential effect upon cultural resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, please contact PennDOT Project Manager Jayne McColl, PWS, at c-jmccoll@pa.gov or 267-439-4204.

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201.

For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89), or those on the Department's Four- and Twelve-Year Plans, visit www.projects.penndot.gov.