The Rochester-Monaca Bridge, connecting the Monaca and Rochester boroughs over the Ohio River, has begun a renovation project. Parts of this project include minor components, like repainting areas and updating pavement markings, but these will add up to a substantial amount of changes and preservation work.

There will be multiple closures throughout the nearly six-month period of the project, but the longest closure will occur from June to August, which will last around 67 days. During this period, motorists will have to detour and use the Monaca-East Rochester Bridge to adjust their route.

Even with the closing of the bridge for drivers wishing to cross, access for pedestrians and cyclists will remain available for the majority of the closures. Some of the major parts of the 67-day closure include the replacement of expansion joints, new concrete deck overlay, downspout replacements and repairs, concrete and steel repairs and sidewalk, barrier and fence repairs The rehabilitation of the Rochester-Monaca Bridge is valued at a large sum of $6.69 million, with the main goal of the project being to maintain and improve the very important infrastructure link. Replacement of the concrete deck is one of the biggest tasks as well as the repair of downspouts. Replacement and repair of downspouts is highly important to maintain appropriate drainage and reduce the possibility of water damage. Structural weaknesses will be fixed with steel and concrete repairs, while pedestrian and cyclist safety, along with general aesthetics, will be enhanced by fence, barrier, deck and sidewalk renovations. Upgrades to pavement markings with new paint will improve visibility and navigation, providing a complete and comprehensive rehabilitation to the bridge.

PennDOT announced that there will be overnight closures and restrictions at the intersections of both sides of the bridge, which started on Monday, April 15. It is anticipated that the $6.69 million project, which includes a safety boost through preservation work, will conclude in late 2024. The labor-intensive work being completed on the bridge will hopefully be worthwhile for everyone to enjoy, even with the long duration of inaccessibility.