The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has recently awarded a $34.3 million contract to Trumbull Corp., Pittsburgh, the low-bidder for a design/build project to replace the Emerald Bridge on the Northeastern Extension of the Pa. Turnpike at milepost A68.53.

The Emerald Bridge is approximately 11 miles north of the Lehigh Valley Interchange (Exit 56) and 7 miles south of the Mahoning Valley Interchange (Exit 74).

It carries Pa. Turnpike traffic over Main Street and Trout Creek in Washington Township.

This project is 100 percent funded by toll money.

The bridge will be replaced with two separate structures.

Each bridge will consist of three, 12-foot travel lanes with 12-foot outside and inside shoulders.

The project also involves reconstruction of a mile of roadway.

The design process, including permitting and right-of-way acquisition, is expected to last about one year, with construction to begin in spring 2015 and continue through fall 2017.

Construction-related activities on I-476 that require lane restrictions and reduced work-zone speeds of 40 mph will only occur during off-peak hours Mondays through Fridays, weather permitting.