Manheim Borough, PA – Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll joined local officials and community leaders in Lancaster County to celebrate the completion of a full replacement of the Rife Run Bridge that spans Rife Run between Meadow Lane and South Snyder Street in Manheim Borough. The bridge supports Route 772 (also known as West High Street in Manheim) and carries more than 11,000 vehicle crossings every day.
This project is part of Pennsylvania’s historic progress in maintaining and improving critical infrastructure across the Commonwealth, with Pennsylvania leading the nation last year in the repair of poor-condition bridges.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in 2023, Pennsylvania – including PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and other bridge owners – repaired or replaced more than 200 bridges of at least 20 feet in length, resulting in 90 fewer bridges rated in poor-condition – the largest improvement of any state in the country.
Last year, PennDOT had its most productive year in nearly a decade, improving 500 more miles of roadway and repairing 150 more bridges than the previous year. The momentum continues into 2024, with over 4,100 miles of roads improved and work advancing on more than 360 state and local bridges. Governor Shapiro and his Administration understand the vital role infrastructure plays in the daily lives of millions of Pennsylvanians, which is why PennDOT works quickly and safely to ensure roads and bridges are ready for the people who rely on them every day.
"Every day, Pennsylvanians rely on our roads and bridges to get to work, take their kids to school, and drive our economy forward," said Governor Shapiro. "That’s why securing the critical funding to improve our infrastructure has been a top priority. By working with both public and private partners, we’re getting the job done. From the rapid reopening of I-95 in Philadelphia to the vital replacement of the Rife Run Bridge, we’re showing that when we collaborate, we can get big things done and deliver real results for Pennsylvanians. We're not just fixing roads — we're building a stronger future and proving that we can get stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania."
The Rife Run Bridge in Manheim Borough, originally built in 1948, underwent a full replacement to enhance safety and meet traffic demands. The new single-span bridge, which eliminates the need for a center pier, improves water flow underneath the structure and includes sidewalks on both sides for pedestrians. The old bridge was most recently rated in “poor” condition and the new bridge is in “good” condition.
The $3.6 million project, funded entirely by the state, was led by J.D. Eckman and supported by 19 subcontractors and inspection teams — with approximately 80 individuals contributing to the work over the course of 18 months — concluded in August this year. The upgraded bridge, which spans 65 feet and features a wider deck, no longer requires posted weight limits and now meets modern safety standards. Restoration efforts also included plantings to maintain the natural channel width.
“We’ve worked hard to not only meet today’s needs but to invest in the long-term safety and reliability of our infrastructure. The Rife Run Bridge is just one example of our commitment to keeping Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges in good condition,” said Secretary Carroll. “We are proud of the measurable progress in improving bridge conditions across the state. Our goal remains clear – ensuring that Pennsylvania's bridges and roads are safe, reliable, and built for the future."
“This type of infrastructure project is essential for communities like Manheim — this bridge connects the Borough to Mount Joy and provides access to Route 283, ensuring our residents can travel safely to and from Lancaster, Harrisburg, and beyond. Investments like this ensure our transportation networks are safe, reliable, and capable of supporting local economies. We greatly appreciate the support from Governor Shapiro and Secretary Carroll in making this happen,” said Joel Mutschler, MPA, Manheim Borough Manager.
“We’re proud to be one of the many private partners working with PennDOT on critical infrastructure projects like this one,” said Mike Perloski, P.E., Vice President, J.D. Eckman. “This $3.6 million contract, which started in 2023, represents more than just bridge construction — it’s an investment in people and the community. Over 14,000 to 20,000 labor hours were spent building this bridge, with 19 subcontractors involved, all private entities working together with us to get the job done. The impact goes beyond just the bridge. Our team spent time here in Manheim, contributing to the local economy by purchasing materials from local quarries and blacktop plants. Our industry supports 40,000 families across the state, providing good, self-sustaining jobs, and continued investment is critical to keeping Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges safe and reliable.”
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has secured over $300 million in new infrastructure funding to maintain Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges – reducing the Pennsylvania State Police’s reliance on the Motor License Fund, delivering more funding for transportation while ensuring our law enforcement officers are sustainably funded.
Governor Shapiro has also leveraged federal resources to maximize investments in Pennsylvania's infrastructure, including securing the largest federal transportation grant in the Commonwealth's history The $500 million grant for the I-83 South Bridge in Harrisburg, awarded through the FHWA’s competitive Bridge Investment Program, will fund the replacement of the bridge. This vital crossing in Central Pennsylvania, used by more than 125,000 vehicles daily – including 15 percent truck traffic – plays a critical role in connecting communities and supporting commerce, ensuring the safe and efficient movement of goods and people across the Susquehanna River.
Beyond bridge repairs, the Shapiro Administration has continued investing in Pennsylvania’s transportation network. In August, Governor Shapiro announced a $51 million investment from the Multimodal Transportation Fund to support 66 crucial projects across 32 counties — including highway, bridge, aviation, ports, and bike and pedestrian initiatives — enhancing the safety and efficiency of Pennsylvania’s infrastructure for everyone.
“Lancaster’s economy relies on strong infrastructure, and bridges like the one at Rife Run are critical to keeping our communities connected and our commerce flowing — it's a vital link for our agricultural and manufacturing sectors. Investments in our infrastructure are investments in economic growth — ensuring that businesses can move their products efficiently, reducing costs, and attracting new opportunities to the region,” said Heather Valudes, President & CEO, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to the Shapiro Administration and PennDOT’s focus on leveraging state and federal resources, we are not only addressing immediate infrastructure needs but also laying the foundation for long-term economic development. These investments strengthen Lancaster’s economy, create jobs, and keep our county moving forward.”
Governor Shapiro’s "Get Stuff Done" approach was on display when he brought together federal, state, and local officials, along with private sector and union partners, to reopen I-95 in just 12 days following its collapse in Northeast Philadelphia. His leadership has driven PennDOT’s rapid response to flood-damaged roads across the state, from Bucks County to Bradford County, getting roads reopened ahead of schedule.
For more information on PennDOT’s ongoing infrastructure projects, visit penndot.pa.gov. Information about the state’s infrastructure and results PennDOT is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at penndot.pa.gov/results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at projects.penndot.gov.
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