Erwinna Covered Bridge re-opens, plus I-95 restrictions

When one historic covered bridge re-opens, several lanes of a major highway become restricted.

That's what's happening in Bucks County these days, at least.

In two separate and completely unrelated announcements this week, PennDOT said that the Erwinna Covered Bridge in Tinicum Township will re-open Friday afternoon, and that lane restrictions will be in effect on I-95 North next week.

Here at BucksInq, however, we strive to be efficient for our readers. So below are the details Bucks drivers need to know about both occurrences.

Erwinna Covered Bridge re-opening

In July, this covered bridge - which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places - suffered structural damage from a truck, the second truck-related accident there in less than a year, PennDOT said.

As a result, trucks will no longer be able to cross the bridge once it re-opens this week.

The bridge will also have new lines painted to funnel traffic into a single center lane; all drivers will have to stop at the entrance to the bridge, rather than yielding.

Repairs took six weeks, PennDOT said, and included replacing damaged wooden beams and side boards, and rebuilding the portal entrance to the barn.

I-95 North lane restrictions

Lane restrictions will be in effect Monday through Wednesday next week, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., on I-95 North between the Philadelphia County line and Route 413, PennDOT said.

This means a lane or two could close in that section, or shoulders could be narrowed, according to spokesman Brad Rudolph.

The agency will be performing crack sealing, and it advised drivers to allow extra time when traveling through the area.