Misalignment of viaduct is repaired

MERCER, Pa. -- The repair phase on Sharon's Oakland Avenue Viaduct has been completed and the regular construction phase is progressing, said Mark Miller, the Mercer County engineer.
Miller told county commissioners at their Wednesday agenda meeting that he expects the project to meet the June 1 completion date required by a takeover agreement.
Last October, work resumed on the bridge, which has been closed for four years while officials tried to determine what to do about a beam misalignment.
Commissioners announced in October they had negotiated a takeover agreement with the Maryland company that holds the performance bond for bridge contractor Carmen Paliotta Contracting Inc. of Library, Pa.
Paliotta is finishing the bridge under the agreement. Repairs on the four north cement pedestals and the necessary adjustments have been completed to correct the misalignment, Miller said.
When commissioners meet today, they are expected to approve an additional $132,552 to project engineers Gannett Fleming of Harrisburg for additional hours required as a result of the repair.
Though commissioners have to approve payments, they will be reimbursed by federal and state sources. In addition, any costs exceeding the original $3.6 million price tag will be borne by the bonding company, county officials said.