Work is underway on a bridge replacement project along Route 724 in southern Berks County, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
PennDOT Engineering District 5 announced construction began Monday, April 20, on the Route 724 bridge spanning Allegheny Creek in Robeson Township. As part of the project, Route 724 is closed and detoured between Route 568 and Annon Street.
Passenger vehicles are being directed along Gibraltar Road/West 47th Street, U.S. Route 422, and Interstate 176. Truck traffic is detoured via Route 345, U.S. Route 422, and Interstate 176.
The project includes replacing the existing single-span steel I-beam bridge with a new single-span pre-stressed concrete beam bridge. Additional improvements include reconstruction of the roadway approaches, installation of guide rails, and slope stabilization.
The current bridge, built in 1956, measures 73 feet long and 41 feet wide. The replacement structure will be slightly longer at 76 feet while maintaining the same width. PennDOT estimates approximately 12,618 vehicles travel this section of Route 724, also known as Main Street, each day.
Lobar Site Development Corporation is serving as the general contractor for the $2.8 million project, which is expected to be completed in October 2026.
In a message to residents, the Robeson Township Police Department acknowledged the frustration caused by the Old River Road restrictions, noting the department has received a high volume of traffic-related complaints in recent days. Police said Old River Road is closed to through traffic, with signage posted over the lanes to indicate the restriction.
Police clarified that the closure was not their decision, explaining that bridge oversight and related projects fall under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, while the restriction itself was implemented by township administration for public safety. Officers are responsible for enforcing the closure and associated traffic restrictions.
The department said enforcement will continue as part of regular patrol duties, but noted it is not feasible for officers to continuously monitor every detour route at all times due to other calls for service and township-wide responsibilities.
Residents with questions or concerns about the closure or future plans are encouraged to contact the township administrative office.