The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced work will begin today (July 9) to replace the structurally deficient Penn Forest Road Bridge over the Wild Creek in Towamensing Township, Carbon County.

Crews will replace the existing concrete box beam bridge with a new concrete box beam bridge.Starting today, Penn Forest Road will be closed and detoured between the Penn Forest Township Line and Koch Road. The posted detour will route traffic on PA 903, Maury Road, Long Run Road, Fairyland Road, US 209, and Trachsville Hill Road.Motorists are advised to allow for extra time and use caution when traveling through the area.The project is expected to be complete in October.All schedules are weather dependent.J. D. Eckman, Inc. of Atglen, Pa. is the general contractor on the $1,157,248 project.The Penn Forest Road Bridge was constructed in 1956.The Bridge is 57 feet long and 30 feet wide. The new Bridge will be 53 long and 28 feet wide.Penn Forest Road has an average daily traffic volume of 387 vehicles.