Council Weighs One-Lane Centre Avenue Bridge Option

Reading officials are considering a single-lane design to accommodate double-decker railcars under Pennsylvania-funded bridge elevation plans.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Remote Work

Council Weighs One-Lane Centre Avenue Bridge Option

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Reading City Council heard options for the Centre Avenue Bridge project, which must be elevated so double-decker railcars can pass through the city. Public works, fire, and police reviewed plans and agreed on a one-lane bridge option.

Why it matters

The Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission and Norfolk Southern require elevation of both bridges to accommodate double-decker railcars. PennDOT will cover the cost of both projects, but questions over retaining walls and park land remain for local residents.

The project timeline targets demolition and construction beginning in 2030, with PennDOT funding both the Centre Avenue and North Fifth Street bridge work. Council wants PennDOT confirmation before engineering design for the one-lane concept proceeds.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

The state agency funding both bridge projects and responsible for the engineering design and maintenance decisions still under discussion with Reading.

Norfolk Southern

A major freight railroad whose double-decker railcar operations require the bridges to be elevated for clearance through the city.

Kyle Zeiber

Reading's public works director who presented the favored option of changing the roadway slope and creating a single lane.

Chris Miller

A Reading City Council member who expressed concern over potential loss of part of the triangular park next to the Centre Avenue bridge.

Jaime Baez

A Reading City Council member who said he supports keeping the Centre Avenue bridge open to traffic.

The details

The favored option changes the roadway slope and creates a single lane to keep traffic flowing, requiring retaining walls on both sides of Centre Avenue. The alternative would eliminate the bridge, replace it with a pedestrian bridge, and reroute automobile traffic. Councilmember Chris Miller raised concern about losing part of the triangular park beside the bridge, while Councilmember Jaime Baez said he supports keeping the bridge open.

2024: PennDOT requested meetings with the city about the Centre Avenue and North Fifth Street bridges.
Monday night (Nov. 9, 2026): Council heard options for the Centre Avenue Bridge project.
2030: Planned start of demolition and construction.

Remote Work Impact

Changes to commuter routes and traffic patterns from bridge construction could affect how Reading residents plan remote and hybrid work schedules during the 2030 project window. Reading-area employers and home-based workers should watch for lane closures tied to the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission-mandated elevation work.

Residents who commute through the Centre Avenue corridor should expect construction disruptions when demolition begins in 2030. Remote and hybrid workers may be able to reduce exposure to lane closures by adjusting schedules once the project timeline is finalized.

The takeaway

Infrastructure changes often ripple into commuting habits well before construction starts, so Reading workers should track PennDOT announcements. Early planning around possible detours can make the transition smoother.