County approves $83,821 engineering agreement for Jonestown Road bridge rehabilitation

Lebanon County commissioners voted to approve an engineering agreement with Wilson Consulting Group for preliminary engineering on county bridge C-036, Jonestown Road over Swatara Creek, at a cost of $83,821.45 to be paid from Act 13 transportation funds.

The agreement, described at the meeting as the step that will produce plans, estimates and an approach for rehabilitation of the bridge, was presented by a county staff member. The presenter told commissioners that PennDOT had identified the structure as needing rehabilitation and that the county has roughly two years to complete the work.

The county presenter said, “The total amount for this agreement would be $83,821.45.” Commissioners were told some work could require lane restrictions or a full closure and that the earliest work might be mid next year, with a two-year window to complete the project.

Commissioners also noted the county has already removed nearby brush and held site meetings. Funding was identified as coming from Act 13 transportation funds, the same source used earlier this year for the Distillery Road over Hamlet Creek bridge replacement.

A motion to approve the engineering agreement was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Officials said more detailed scheduling, traffic-control planning and public notifications will follow once the preliminary engineering determines the scope and method of work. The presenter and commissioners did not provide a firm construction date or a final closure plan at the meeting.

Notes: the procurement covers only preliminary engineering and pricing; final construction contracts and closure logistics would require subsequent approvals and public notice.