Roads, Weather & Public Safety
Route 6 bridge over French Creek now expected to open Nov. 25
PennDOT says the new Route 6 bridge over French Creek is expected to open and the detour lift on Nov. 25, 2026, after schedule challenges pushed back the earlier late-October target. The overall project should finish in December.
The new bridge that will carry Route 6 over French Creek in Woodcock and Hayfield townships is scheduled to open next month, PennDOT District 1 announced Tuesday, Oct. 20. The bridge is expected to open and the detour lifted on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2026. The overall project should be completed in December.
The bridge is located between the intersection with Morris Road and the intersection with Black Road, approximately 2 miles southwest of Saegertown. The project includes removal of the former metal truss bridge, construction of a new concrete structure, paving the road on each side of the bridge, and updated line paint, guide rail, and drainage.
"Last week the contractor poured the concrete deck. As that cures, they continue work on other aspects of the project," District 1 Executive Brian McNulty said in the release. "The project team experienced some challenges earlier in the project schedule, which pushed back the anticipated opening date for the new bridge. However, our crew is dedicated to getting the structure complete and opened before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend."
Work remaining includes construction of the bridge barriers, reconstruction of the road adjacent to the bridge, asphalt paving throughout the project area, line painting, and guide rail installation.
A vehicle detour using Interstate 79 and Route 198 has been in place since April 6. Because Route 6 is a Pennsylvania designated bike route, a detour for cyclists is also posted using Route 198, Park Avenue Extension (Route 1001), and East Cole Road.
The contractor is Francis J. Palo, Inc. of Clarion, PA. The contract cost is $6,933,024, to be paid entirely with state funds. This is the second truss bridge in this section of Route 6 to be replaced; the bridge located just south of Saegertown was replaced in 2025.
The Nov. 25 date replaces the late-October target in PennDOT's earlier project announcements.
Source: PennDOT District 1 press release, "Construction Continues on Route 6 Bridge in Crawford County; Detour Expected to be Lifted in November," Oct. 20, 2026. Media contact: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035.
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