More Construction Restrictions on Route 28

Northbound Route 28 will be closed between the 31st Street Bridge and the 40th Street Bridge this weekend as construction and preparation begins for long-term work on the 31st Street Bridge.

Route 28 will be closed at 8 p.m. Friday, March 18 and will reopen at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 20. Following the reopening of Route 28, the intersection of the roadway and the 31st Street Bridge will close for long-term improvements planned to be finished next spring.

PennDOT spokesman Jim Struzzi says a detour will be posted but it will be helpful for drivers to find a different route to avoid congestion.

“We do encourage motorists, local traffic people who may know other ways to find alternate routes because there are easier ways to go. Particularly if you are leaving the city area, you can continue out Liberty Avenue rather than actually getting onto Route 28,” Struzzi says. “It’s going to be a little transition for people once the bridge closes but in the long run it’ll be better for everyone.”

The intersection will be closed as crews construct retaining walls for a new interchange with Route 28, part of a $22 million project. Other aspects of the project include upgraded drainage, signals, utility and railroad track relocation.

Struzzi says the bridge will still be accessible for those who need it.

“Roughly about 6,000 vehicles use the 31st Street Bridge on an average day. It’s important to note that motorists coming from Lawrenceville will still be able to cross the bridge and access River Avenue down to the Herr’s Island area and Washington’s Landing,” Struzzi says. “It’s important to note that for people who do work on Herr’s Island.”