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Drivers, Bicyclists Rerouted for Birmingham Bridge Construction

Bicyclists and motorists who use the Birmingham Bridge’s northbound off-ramp to Oakland/ Forbes Avenue will need to learn an alternate route, following the ramp’s closure Monday due to construction.

The ramp closure is the first part of amultiyear, $28.5 million construction and repair project on the Birmingham Bridge that PennDOT intends to complete in the summer of 2017.

Signs will direct motorists and bicyclists on how to navigate around the closed ramp. The Birmingham Bridge has a dedicated bike lane, which means PennDOT workers had to design a detour specifically for pedaling travelers.

“We don’t have very many designated bike lanes,” said Dan Cessna, District Executive for PennDOT District 11. “Certainly they’re increasing around the region, but Birmingham Bridge was one of the first roadways or bridge sections actually in the city to have designated bike lanes.”

Bicyclists can now take a bi-directional lane to Forbes Ave, walk their bikes to Moultrie Street, and ride to Fifth Ave. Cars follow a similar route, involving left turns onto Moultrie then Fifth Ave.

Cessna said the ramp will remain closed for most of the summer.