Major changes coming to Driftwood

Construction of a new bridge in the southern Cameron County borough of Driftwood will have major implications for the community.

Two landmark buildings will likely be coming down to accommodate the wider span, which replaces a dilapidated, 65- year-old bridge on Pa. Rt. 555 over the Driftwood Branch of Sinnemahoning Creek.

The popular Weebull's Steakhouse Bar & Grill and the Masonic lodge are both scheduled for demolition. A landmark monument honoring the Bucktails brigade from the Civil War will not be disturbed.

Agreements have also bee reached for acquisition of other unseated property in the area.

Pa. Dept. of Transportation (PennDOT) officials on Thursday announced that Clearwater Construction Inc. of Mercer is the apparent low bidder at $3.4 million. An anticipated start date of Feb. 11 has been established, pending the awarding of a construction contract.

Plans call for a new bridge to accommodate two-way traffic and heavier vehicles. Structural problems have resulted in strict weight limits being imposed on the current span. The new bridge will eliminate a 90-degree turn on the Driftwood (eastern) side of the creek.

A new bridge will be a welcome development to commercial haulers, including those servicing the Pennsylvania Pellet & Millwork plant in Driftwood. Earlier this year, that company was awarded a $137,000 PennDOT grant to reconstruct and extend a railroad siding leading to a loading dock.