The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is seeking the public’s input on a project to replace a deteriorating 99 year-old bridge in Rush Township.

The 38-foot bridge on Lincoln Drive in Hometown was built in 1924 and crosses the Reading, Blue Mountain and Northern Railroad. Its condition is rated as “poor” because its steel members are deteriorating, PennDOT said.

The proposed bridge will have no weight restriction and will provide improved shoulder widths and increased vertical clearance for the railroad.

Lincoln Drive, which carries an average daily traffic volume of 2,694 vehicles, will stay on a similar horizontal alignment, PennDOT noted. During construction, PennDOT said a “relatively short” detour will be in place.

It is anticipated that the construction will begin in early 2025.

PennDOT is inviting community members to provide input by visiting www.PennDOT.gov/District5. From there, click on the Public Meetings link under the District Links heading, pick the Schuylkill County box, and choose the Lincoln Drive Bridge box.

The site features digital picture boards and an online comment form, and will be available until Feb. 5.