New Driftwood bridge coming
65-year-old structure set to be replaced

The pillars on the Driftwood Bridge were crumbling back in 2004 when paddlers in the Cameron County Canoe Classic cruised under the massive "finish line."

After 65 years of use and several years of planning, the onelane bridge on Route 555 in the southern Cameron County village of Driftwood is finally targeted for replacement.

The situation grew more critical last month when routine inspection exposed serious damage to the floor beams, or girders, of the bridge.

It was shut down for the better part of a day in September so crews could make emergency repairs. When it re- opened, PennDOT imposed a 13-ton weight limit and vowed to aggressively enforce it.

PennDOT also soon announced that it is fast-tracking plans to build a new bridge over the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek. The structure will accommodate heavier vehicles and better serve local industries, tourists and residents.

Real estate acquisition for bridge rights-of-way have delayed the construction timetable, but PennDOT expects the project to go out for bids in November. Construction will begin sometime next year.