The bridge replacement project for Route 318 over Interstate 376 in Shenango Township, Mercer County, started Monday. The bridge was struck by the boom of a truck traveling I-376 eastbound on December 7 and sustained substantial damage. 

The damaged area of the bridge was removed, and that section of the road has remained closed.

The new bridge will have a higher clearance than the former bridge built in 1966 — which was 14 feet, 2 inches and the new bridge will have clearance of 16 feet, 6 inches.

Construction is expected to be completed by November 2024.

The detour for Route 318 is posted using I-376 and Route 18. Drivers should be alert for lane and shoulder restrictions on I-376 as needed throughout the project.

I-376 westbound between the ramp and exit will be closed from 7 p.m. on April 19 through  5 a.m. on April 22 for demolition of the remaining portion of the bridge. All traffic will be detoured from the interstate beginning at the Route 318 exit and will reenter at the onramp. 

The estimated cost to repair the bridge is $5,145,068.12, which will be paid through a combination of 20 percent state and 80 percent federal emergency funds.