An antiquated two-lane bridge at the intersection of Route 48 and McClintock Road, which serves as the main access to White Oak Regional Park, will close Monday.

Because of its narrowness, the concrete span has been a traffic hazard for years.

PennDOT's plans call for the old bridge to be razed. A two-lane span will be erected a short distance north on Route 48 to create a safer intersection with scenic McClintock Road, which divides the park.

This $1.2 million project will include widening of Route 48 and a short relocation of McClintock Road to provide better access to the new bridge. The project is expected to take about four months, barring unanticipated environmental issues.

Starting Tuesday, motorists may access the White Oak Park entrance by using McClintock Road from its intersection with Lincoln Way.

"A great many people worked for several years to make this project happen," said White Oak Mayor Ina Jean Marton.

"It's been a traffic safety issue for a long time. There have been too many accidents at that section [with] Route 48. I can't believe we will see those tireless efforts finally lead to reality."

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato called this project "a major priority to improve access and public safety" while detailing proposed improvements to White Oak Park.

"This project is all about traffic safety and access to the park. It's taken a long time to get this far," state Rep. Marc Gergely, D-White Oak, said. "I started helping borough officials work toward replacing the old bridge during my first term. Now I'm in my third term, and it's finally going to happen.

"Many people from the Mon Valley and Westmoreland County use White Oak Park regularly, especially during the summer."

Westmoreland motorists use McClintock Road as a short-cut to Route 48 and the Mon Valley from the Route 30 intersection with Carpenter Lane.

Mayor Marton believes the new bridge and intersection will enhance the beauty of McClintock Road.