BRADFORD — Preliminary work got underway this week for repairs to the Forman Street bridge in Bradford, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Crews are currently working to construct a temporary access road into the Holiday Inn. That work should not impact traffic. Once the access road is complete, the bridge will be closed for repairs and an official detour will be in place. PennDOT expects the closure and detour to begin on July 9.

Starting July 9, area drivers can expect to encounter the following detours:

Route 346 eastbound traffic will be detoured to S. Davis Street, Elm Street (Route 4015), Route 219 South, Owens Way (Route 4005), Route 219 north, and returning to Route 346 east.

Route 346 westbound traffic will be detoured to Route 219 south, Owens Way (Route 4005), Route 219 north, Elm Street (Route 4015), S. Davis Street, and returning to Route 346 west.

Local traffic in the city of Bradford and drivers familiar with the area may choose to use alternate routes.

The official detour will be in place through the fall but not later than the end of October. Should work progress allow, PennDOT will lift the closure and detour earlier.

Along with the temporary access road, work will include replacement of the bridge superstructure, concrete repairs, paving, guide rail updates, piping, and miscellaneous items.

Bob Cummins Construction Company of Bradford is the contractor on this $1.1 million project.

The bridge spans the west branch of Tunungwant Creek on Forman Street (Route 346). The 79-foot bridge dates from 1963 and carries an average of almost 7,800 vehicles each day. Repairs to the bridge will improve its rating from “poor” to “good” and keep it in service for years to come.