Philadelphia, PA, September 27, 2024 – The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters Union), along with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Streets, were joined by federal partners, including representatives from the White House, to officially open the reconstructed Montgomery Avenue Bridge. This milestone was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the completion of the city’s first major bridge project funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“This milestone marks a significant achievement for our city and for the EAS Carpenters Union. The successful reconstruction of the Montgomery Avenue Bridge stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of our skilled members,” said William C. Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. “This project not only enhances our city’s infrastructure but also demonstrates the tangible benefits of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law in action. We are proud to have contributed to a project that will serve Philadelphia for generations to come.”

This significant $17.2 million infrastructure investment was primarily funded through federal grants made possible by the transformative Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, underscoring the critical role of federal support in modernizing and enhancing our nation’s infrastructure. Buckley & Company played a pivotal role in this project, employing approximately 20 EAS Carpenters Union members and Pile Driver Apprentices since December 2021.

“This week, we celebrated the completion of the restored Montgomery Avenue Bridge, a key connector in the Strawberry Mansion neighborhood that will reopen a vital access point for North Philadelphia,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration and all of our federal partners whose strong leadership delivered us the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which made this project possible. We are utilizing these historic levels of funding to build a safer, cleaner, and greener Philadelphia with access to economic opportunities for all. Projects like this grow and develop our local labor workforce and benefit the communities we serve. When we say we are building a government that all Philadelphians can see, touch, and feel, this is what we mean.”

The Montgomery Avenue Bridge reconstruction involved the demolition and removal of the existing five-span, which was over 100 years old, that carried Montgomery Avenue over the railroad tracks of AMTRAK and Conrail. The new bridge is a single-span, steel composite structure featuring a reinforced concrete deck. Stretching 126 feet, it is supported by robust full-height, reinforced concrete abutments. The construction utilized lightweight aggregate—the same advanced material used in the I-95 rebuild—ensuring longevity and durability.

The project scope extended beyond the bridge itself to include the construction of moment slabs in the bridge approaches, new curb and sidewalk installations, modern street lighting, ADA-compliant curb ramps, and other miscellaneous enhancements. Additionally, a portion of the brick roadway in the bridge approach was constructed, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

“We’re thrilled about the completion of the Montgomery Avenue Bridge, the first of many initiatives from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This project has created invaluable opportunities for our members and marks the start of transformative ventures that will provide steady employment for our skilled workforce,” said Robert Landy, Training Director at Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. “Projects like these create good middle-class jobs, fueling economic growth and community resilience. By putting skilled carpenters to work, we’re enhancing local economies and ensuring communities thrive.”

About The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters

The Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters is a labor union that develops, trains, and empowers the hardworking men and women of the skilled construction trades. The EAS Carpenters Union has a strong presence in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Virginia, overseeing 25 local unions representing over 42,000 professional construction craftsmen and women.

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