Cost increases for viaduct's replacement

MERCER, Pa. -- Cost of the replacement of the Oakland Avenue Viaduct in Sharon has risen by nearly $800,000.
Mercer County commissioners plan to sign paperwork at their meeting today approving additional costs for the bridge that would bring the price tag to $4.39 million.
The original construction cost was $3.6 million, but additional design and inspection costs resulting from a misaligned beam, however, drove up the costs. The additional costs will be borne by the bonding company, which assumed control of the project in an agreement reached last year on what to do about the misalignment.
Though commissioners have to approve the payments, the project is funded by state and federal sources.
County Engineer Mark Miller told commissioners Tuesday that reinforcement bars are being laid out in preparation for installing the deck on the bridge.
He said it will be two or three weeks before the reinforcement bars are down and work is on target for the anticipated June 1 completion date.
Bridge construction finally got under way in October after four years of delay because of the misalignment. The original contractor, Carmen Paliotta Contracting of Library, Pa., is finishing the project under the agreement.