Friday the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closed the historic Petroleum Center Bridge that spans Oil Creek near state park's office. A PennDOT press release stated the closure was "due to advanced deterioration and structural concerns discovered during a recent inspection."
Oil Creek State Park posted on social media described the reason as "severe structural damage."
"The bridge will be closed to all vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic. This closure is expected to be in effect for the foreseeable future," the state park's post continued.
The bridge, built in 1884 by the Morse Bridge Company of Youngstown, Ohio, is a single-lane through truss bridge. It has a weight limit of only five tons and has an eleven foot clearance. "The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for it's engineering significance, which includes its distinct design..." PennDOT's release explained.
“Historical bridges come with unique challenges. Simply replacing this bridge with a new one is not an option. We are bound by state and federal regulations to coordinate the scopes and details of these projects with the State Historic Preservation Office, which takes more time than most simple bridge projects. Repairs and rehabilitation efforts must follow guidelines and preserve the historic nature of the structure,” said PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty. “These factors require time to evaluate and design solutions that meet today’s structural and historical standards.”
The bridge has been on the radar of bridge inspectors for years and it has been receiving six-month inspections.
Oil Creek State Park posted on social media described the reason as "severe structural damage."
"The bridge will be closed to all vehicle, bicycle, and foot traffic. This closure is expected to be in effect for the foreseeable future," the state park's post continued.
The bridge, built in 1884 by the Morse Bridge Company of Youngstown, Ohio, is a single-lane through truss bridge. It has a weight limit of only five tons and has an eleven foot clearance. "The bridge is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places for it's engineering significance, which includes its distinct design..." PennDOT's release explained.
“Historical bridges come with unique challenges. Simply replacing this bridge with a new one is not an option. We are bound by state and federal regulations to coordinate the scopes and details of these projects with the State Historic Preservation Office, which takes more time than most simple bridge projects. Repairs and rehabilitation efforts must follow guidelines and preserve the historic nature of the structure,” said PennDOT District 1 Executive Brian McNulty. “These factors require time to evaluate and design solutions that meet today’s structural and historical standards.”
The bridge has been on the radar of bridge inspectors for years and it has been receiving six-month inspections.
The bridge is only used, on average, by about 75 vehicles a day. The design phase for what to do with the bridge is already underway. According to the PennDOT press release a construction contract is tentatively planned to be awarded in 2026.
A detour is posted using Route 8, Route 227, State Park Road, and Petroleum Center Road. Temporary signs and message boards are in place along the detour route. Plans call for long-term signs to be installed later this fall.
The state park added further instruction for park access.
"For anyone traveling from the south to reach the Park Office, McCrea Farm/ski trails, Egbert pavilion and the southern delayed harvest area, you will need to follow detour signs in Rouseville directing you onto Rt. 227. If traveling from the north, you will need to follow detour signs directing you to Rt. 227 into the town of Plumer. Park directional signs are located along 227 in the town of Plumer.
Anyone through hiking will need to plan accordingly since you will not be able to cross Petroleum Center bridge. If you have any questions, please call the park office (814-676-5915)."
"For anyone traveling from the south to reach the Park Office, McCrea Farm/ski trails, Egbert pavilion and the southern delayed harvest area, you will need to follow detour signs in Rouseville directing you onto Rt. 227. If traveling from the north, you will need to follow detour signs directing you to Rt. 227 into the town of Plumer. Park directional signs are located along 227 in the town of Plumer.
Anyone through hiking will need to plan accordingly since you will not be able to cross Petroleum Center bridge. If you have any questions, please call the park office (814-676-5915)."
RSS Feed