July 2019
Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners Begin Construction on 558th PA Rapid Bridge Replacement
Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and its Rapid Bridge Replacement Project development partner, Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), recently started construction on the 558th and final bridge in the program. Currently, there are seven remaining bridges under construction as part of the milestone partnership project. When completed fully, the multi-year project will have enabled PennDOT to remove 558 structures from its list of bridges rated in poor condition.
“We are excited to begin work on the final bridge of this innovative P3 project,” said Ed Dice, Head of Delivery, Plenary Group. “Beginning construction on the 558th bridge is a significant milestone that highlights years of hard work on the PA RBR project. The partnering approach between PWKP and PennDOT has been, and will continue to be, instrumental in completing the few remaining bridges in this first-of-its-kind program.”
Construction crews started work, Monday, July 8, on the bridge carrying Coleman Road (State Route 2006) over CSX (Western Maryland Railroad) in Straban Township, Adams County. This bridge is the project’s 558th bridge to mobilize into construction. The new bridge should be completed this fall.
“Starting work on the 558th bridge is the latest milestone for our partnerships across all levels of this historic joint venture,” said David Casey, president of Walsh Construction’s heavy civil division. “From PennDOT and project stakeholders to construction teams, subcontractors and community partners, we are all working hand-in-hand to improve Pennsylvania’s infrastructure.”
Challenged with an aging bridge inventory, the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project began construction in 2015 and enabled PennDOT to replace 558 of its bridges in poor condition more quickly, while simultaneously minimizing impacts on motorists. Tasked with delivering this $899 million project, PWKP is financing, designing, constructing and maintaining the bridges.
The consortium of companies within the development entity includes, Plenary Group USA Ltd. and Walsh Investors, LLC, which are providing financing and long-term management; a joint-venture construction team of Walsh Construction Company and Granite Construction Company; HDR, Inc., which is the lead design firm; and Walsh Infrastructure Management, which will provide maintenance for a 25-year period upon completion of the bridges.