Narberth contractors outline four-year plan to replace bridge over Amtrak tracks; residents press for traffic and safety measures

Contractors and engineers at a community meeting in Narberth described a staged replacement of the borough bridge that spans Amtrak tracks, laying out a schedule that they said would begin in weeks and conclude under the current contract by July 24, 2029.

The project team, led in design by Jesse Formley of Pinoni Associates and in construction by Amadou “Moe” Gary of TPD, told residents the work will include utility relocations, installation of new catenary portals for the railroad, raising the bridge deck to increase clearance, and construction of widened sidewalks on both sides of the new structure.

Why it matters: the bridge has been closed to vehicles since 2019 and its replacement will restore a key pedestrian and vehicle link in the borough while reshaping local traffic patterns, affecting nearby residents, businesses and school routes.

The contractors described the work and the project timeline. “Starting in a couple weeks... we’ll be out installing the detour signs,” said Amadou Gary, TPD construction manager, describing the first construction stage and the posted detour routing through nearby streets. He said the project went to bid with openings on May 8, a construction notice given July 18 and a required completion date of July 24, 2029.

The design and construction teams said most work that directly affects Amtrak tracks will occur at night when…