Merski, Harkins: Over $1.1 million secured to replace Bell Street Bridge
Rep. Patrick J. Harkins December 23, 2025 | 5:08 PM
ERIE, Dec. 23 – State Reps. Bob Merski and Pat Harkins, both D-Erie, today announced that Erie County will receive more than $1.1 million from the state’s Multimodal Transportation Fund to replace the Bell Street Bridge, which spans Wesleyville Borough and Lawrence Park Township.
The funding will support the replacement of a critical transportation corridor, improving safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, while strengthening a key local connection that supports neighborhood access and economic activity.
“Safe, reliable bridges are essential to everyday life,” Merski said. “This funding will eliminate a safety hazard, improve mobility for residents, and support local businesses that depend on dependable transportation links.”
“Replacing the Bell Street Bridge is an investment in both our neighborhoods and our economy,” Harkins added. “These improvements will make travel safer, create local jobs during construction, and ensure this corridor serves our community for decades to come.”
The Bell Street Bridge project is among 54 projects statewide that received funding through the Multimodal Transportation Fund. For more information about the program, visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/programs-and-doing-business/multimodal-transportation.
The Multimodal Transportation Fund provides grant funding to municipalities, councils of governments, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, and ports and rail freight entities to improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit access.