Montgomery County Bridge 269, which carries Easton Road over Sandy Run near Woodland Road in Abington Township, is nearing the completion of a significant replacement project aimed at improving safety and infrastructure reliability. Originally constructed in 1930 and widened in 1970, the bridge was a single-span structure composed of reinforced concrete pipes, a slab, and a stone masonry arch. Over time, the aging structure was deemed in need of replacement, prompting the county to initiate a comprehensive upgrade. The new design features a cast-in-place concrete box culvert, which will replace the existing masonry arch and improve structural integrity. The project also includes full-depth reconstruction of the road approaches, relocation of utility lines, and installation of new curbs and decorative paver finishes to enhance both function and appearance.
Construction was originally scheduled to begin on March 3, 2025, with an estimated eight-month timeline and an anticipated completion date around November 7, 2025. A full road closure and detour have been in place throughout the duration of the project to ensure safety and efficiency. However, the start of construction was delayed due to significant traffic disruptions caused by the aftermath of a fire at the nearby SPS Technologies facility. To reduce the impact on local congestion, officials decided to defer construction activities until summer.
Despite the delayed start, the replacement project has progressed faster than expected. As of mid-July 2025, work on the bridge is ahead of schedule. Local officials now anticipate reopening the bridge to traffic prior to Labor Day weekend in early September, which would mark a substantial improvement over the original completion timeline. The early completion is expected to ease local traffic sooner than planned and reflects positively on the coordination between contractors and county officials. Overall, the replacement of Bridge 269 represents a vital infrastructure improvement that balances historical preservation, modern engineering, and community impact.
