Route 611 Bridge Replacement over SEPTA Tracks

Overview

PennDOT plans to replace Route 611 bridge at the SEPTA Noble Station in Abington Township and Jenkintown Borough beginning in spring 2024. Built in 1905, the deteriorating bridge is rated in poor condition. The three-span structure spans two electrified railroad tracks of SEPTA's R3 commuter rail line from Philadelphia to West Trenton.

The existing, multi-beam bridge is a three-span structure that is 115 feet long. The purpose of the project is to replace the existing bridge, which is in poor condition, with a new structure that will carry five lanes of traffic. The roadway width on the new bridge will be seven-feet wider and the pedestrian walkway width will also be wider on both sides.

In addition, this transportation improvement project includes the installation of new stairs and ramps at all four corners of the bridge. These new structures will allow pedestrian access from both sides of Route 611. Currently, pedestrian access is only available via stairs on the east side of the bridge, which does not meet current ADA guidelines. The new pedestrian ramps at the bridge will be fully ADA-compliant.

Preliminary construction activity is scheduled to begin with a daytime operation to remove the existing median on Route 611 and replace it with temporary pavement for the next stage of construction. 

Following the completion of this preliminary stage, mainline bridge construction will commence with round-the-clock travel restrictions on Route 611. The bridge will be replaced one-half at a time. The plan is to initially replace the east side of the bridge and then the west side. Construction will continue until fall 2026.

Route 611 motorists will encounter lane closures and changing traffic patterns during this multi-stage bridge-replacement project. Drivers will need to allow considerably more time for travel through the corridor during construction because northbound and southbound Route 611 will reduce to one lane between Cloverly Avenue and Woodcrest Road.

In addition to the two-way, single-lane pattern, left-turn moves on Route 611 will be restricted at Rodman Avenue, Noble Station, Baeder Road, and various commercial driveways within the project limits. Detour signs will be in place to direct motorists to these locations. 

SEPTA Regional Rail service and customer access to Noble Station will be maintained during construction.