​Route 420 (Wanamaker Ave.) Darby Creek Bridge Replacement

County: Delaware
State Route: Route 420
Local Name: Wannamaker Avenue
Project Type: Bridge Replacement

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) began construction in May 2023 on a $35.8 million project to replace the northbound and southbound bridges that carry Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) over Darby Creek in Prospect Park Borough and Tinicum Township, Delaware County.

The project consists of the replacement of both the southbound and northbound bridges that carry Route 420 over Darby Creek between Tinicum Township and Prospect Park Borough in Delaware County.  The new crossing will be built as one bridge instead of the two that currently carry traffic over Darby Creek.

Under this project, PennDOT's contractor will replace the superstructure and substructure of the northbound and southbound bridges over Darby Creek. In-stream work including causeways and cofferdams will be utilized for construction of the replacement structures. Rock protection will also be used for both structures, and streambed stabilization and replacement of the fender system will be included as part of the site improvements.

In addition, existing lighting on the bridges will be replaced or upgraded, and a pedestrian trail crossing will be constructed under the structures adjacent to the southern abutments. The trail will provide a connection to the adjacent John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. The 8-10 foot wide shared-use path will be built on the western side of Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) to the north of Darby Creek. A shared-use path will also be constructed on both sides of Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) south of Darby Creek and connect to the existing parking lots at the John Heinz Wildlife Refuge.

The existing southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) bridge is a 237-foot-long, three-span, prestressed concrete composite adjacent box beam bridge. The structure is currently posted for 30 tons and 40 tons in combination and is listed in poor condition due to the deterioration and section loss of bridge elements.

The existing northbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) bridge is a 232-foot-long, three-span, prestressed concrete composite adjacent box beam bridge. The northbound bridge, which is currently listed in fair condition, is deteriorating and in need of extensive repairs.

Richard E. Pierson Construction Co. Inc. of Pilesgrove, NJ, is the general contractor on this bridge replacement project, which is financed with 100% federal funds. Construction on the entire project is expected to finish in summer 2027. 

From 7:00 PM Friday, February 2, to 6:00 AM Monday, February 5, southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) will be closed and detoured between 4th Avenue and Interstate 95.

During the closure, southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) motorists will be directed to use U.S. 13 (Chester Pike), Stewart Avenue and northbound I-95 to access Route 420.

In addition, access to southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) from Lazaretto Road will be prohibited for all motorists. Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour route to access southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue).

Access to northbound and southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) from Lafayette Avenue at 2nd Avenue will be prohibited for all motorists except emergency vehicles. Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour routes to access northbound and southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue).

During the closure of southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue), two lanes of traffic will be maintained on northbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) between I-95 and 4th Avenue. An intermittent left lane closure will be in place as needed on northbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) through the work area to move construction equipment.

Drivers are advised to allow extra time when traveling through the work areas because significant backups and delays will occur. All scheduled activities are weather dependent.