
SUNNYSIDE ROAD BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
PENN TOWNSHIP, PA
McCormick Taylor was selected by Penn Township for the design and construction management of the replacement of the Sunnyside Road Bridge over the East Penn Railway.
THE CHALLENGE
Sunnyside Road is a township-owned roadway that services residential communities and links two well-traveled state routes. It is integral to the connectivity of Penn Township with neighboring London Grove Township to the south and West Grove Borough to the east. The Sunnyside Road Bridge is vital to the community for school buses and emergency vehicles, and provides critical access to Jennersville Hospital and U.S. Route 1, a major north-south interstate.
Although the original 55-foot timber bridge was rehabilitated in 1984, its continued deterioration resulted in a 12-ton weight restriction in 1990. Ultimately, the bridge was closed in 2003 after a routine NBIS inspection found the superstructure and substructure to be in critical condition.

HOW WE HELPED
McCormick Taylor provided design construction management and construction inspection services for the Township. Through our administrative services, we assisted Penn Township in the development and execution of a retro-reimbursement agreement with PennDOT, as well as the processing of documentation for payment.


RESULTS
The new structure is a single-span, prestressed concrete, spread box beam structure with an overall length of approximately 56 feet. The existing cartway was widened by nearly 10 feet to provide a total cartway width of 24 feet—two 12-foot travel lanes. The new bridge is designed for a minimum 50-year life, but it will likely extend into the 22nd century.
On June 12, 2013, Penn Township proudly celebrated the long awaited grand opening of the Sunnyside Road Bridge over the East Penn Railway with a parade of emergency service vehicles and a long list of local dignitaries expressing their appreciation.
AWARDS
2014 Road and Bridge Safety Improvement Award, Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors