Boot Road Bridge Replacement over Amtrak
Project Location
Overview
This project involves replacing the existing bridge that carries Boot Road over Amtrak. Proposed work also includes approach roadway reconstruction, guide rail and drainage improvements, and intersection improvements at the intersection of Boot Road and Quarry Road.
The Boot Road bridge is currently posted for a 23-ton weight limit and carries approximately 11,954 vehicles per day.
Bridge Construction
Construction began on Thursday, October 12, on a $13.3 million project to replace the bridge that carries Boot Road over Amtrak in East Caln Township, Chester County.
PennDOT's contractor will remove and replace the 59-year-old, 193-foot three-span Boot Road bridge with a 105-foot single-span structure. The bridge width will remain the same at 38 feet and improvements will take place on the approach roads to the bridge. Construction also includes resurfacing, stormwater management, and guide rail installation.
In addition, the roadway profile will be raised slightly to provide additional clearance to Amtrak's facilities. The catenary system used to supply electricity to the railway system, which is currently attached to the bridge, will be re-profiled under the bridge.
To enhance traffic flow and safety, additional construction includes improvements at the adjacent Boot Road and Quarry Road Intersection. Work includes widening the roadway to incorporate left-turn lanes on three legs of the intersection, installing modernized traffic signals, and drainage improvements.
Traffic Impacts
Tree clearing, drainage work, and roadway widening took place under short-term weekday lane closures and an eastbound Boot Road closure between Quarry Road and Southwind Lane. Eastbound Boot Road has been reopened as construction operations are currently on hold pending utility relocation.
PennDOT expects construction to resume sometime this summer. Construction will begin with the demolition of the existing Boot Road Bridge under a full closure of Boot Road between Quarry Road and Southwind Lane. During the Boot Road closure, motorists are directed to use U.S. 322 (Brandywine Avenue), Business U.S. 30 (Lancaster Avenue), and Quarry Road. Trucks are directed to use the posted detour.
AMTRAK (Keystone Line) and SEPTA (Paoli Thorndale Line) rail service are anticipated to continue without disruptions during construction.
As part of PennDOT's public outreach program, the department will continue to update citizens on the upcoming traffic impacts and answer questions related to the project. PennDOT plans to hold another live virtual public meeting before construction resumes on a date to be determined. The department will give a project status update, provide details on upcoming traffic impacts, and answer questions related to the project. A recording of the meeting will be provided on this website.