Layton Bridge Blasting Operations Bring Periodic Stoppages to Perry Township Travel

PERRY TOWNSHIP — Commuters, commercial traffic, and trail enthusiasts navigating Perry Township will face temporary road closures into late October as PennDOT District 12's multi-million dollar Layton Bridge Replacement Project (State Route 4038, MPMS #81192) reaches a critical construction milestone. Controlled blasting operations along the hillside adjacent to Layton Road, Tunnel Road, and the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail will result in intermittent, total stoppages lasting up to 15 minutes at a time.

The infrastructure overhaul addresses the historic, 911-foot pin-connected Pratt half-thru truss bridge spanning the Youghiogheny River. Originally erected in 1899 for rail traffic, the single-lane structure — along with the narrow Layton Tunnel and the adjacent Washington Run bridge near Falbo Road — is being replaced by a modern three-span bridge constructed on a new alignment just south of the existing roadway. Once the new bypass and two-lane span are completed, the historic tunnel will be permanently sealed and the old bridge removed.

"Our primary focus during these hillside cuts and blasting phases is strict public safety while keeping this massive realignment schedule moving," stated PennDOT District 12 Media Contact Melissa Maczko. "We understand 15-minute delays on Layton Road and trail stoppages on the GAP can disrupt daily travel, but these blasts are necessary to clear rock formations for the new bridge abutments."

Travelers are instructed to plan for delays, follow flaggers and temporary signage, and monitor local road conditions before entering the construction corridor.