Temporary fix planned for Keeler Road bridge
A temporary fix could stabilize the deteriorating bridge, as officials weigh a more permanent repair.
“I can’t think of anything that’s more pressing right now.” — Chuck Wilson, supervisors chairman
TOWAMENCIN >> A temporary fix could stabilize a deteriorating bridge in Towamencin, as township officials start to plan a more permanent repair.
Township officials heard details last week on a shortterm fix for the bridge on Keeler Road, which could be underway as soon as this fall.
“If the money is there, there’s no reason not to,” said supervisor Rich Marino.
“I can’t think of anything that’s more pressing right now,” board chairman Chuck Wilson replied.
In mid-March the board first heard a report of the deterioration below the bridge, which takes Keeler Road over a branch of a small creek west of Troxel Road, between Quarry Road and Michael Way. The deterioration was seen by the township engineer as part of an update to the township’s overall stormwater management plan, and township engineer Tom Zarko told the board on March 24 that he and the township’s structural engineering consultant have since planned out several scenarios.
“We determined there are two problems with the bridge: one problem is a capacity problem, and the other is a structural issue,” he said.
“The long-term recommendation for the bridge would be replacement, to address both of those issues, but because of the concerns expressed by the board at the last meeting, we’ve developed some recommendations for interim consideration,” he said.
Concerns raised by the board included the costs of repairs, and a need to keep at least part of the bridge open for emergency vehicles and to avoid traffic tie-ups in that portion of the township. Zarko said the first recommendation is that the bridge be monitored monthly, and that the structural engineer meet with township public works staff at the bridge “to go over the things that should be looked at on a monthly basis.”
Township staff would check off a spreadsheet of observational criteria each month to see if the deterioration has worsened, and the structural engineer would check the bridge each quarter, “just as a second look at the condition of the bridge as we move forward,” Zarko said.
A second short-term recommendation is to install temporary bracing within the bridge structure, to stabilize the bridge and prevent any further deterioration. Early estimates are that the bracing installation and engineering work will cost roughly $225,000, with an additional $15,000 for design and bidding work, according to the engineer.
“We think this is something that should be moved forward this year, if possible under the budget,” he said.
“I would recommend the engineering work be done this year, and potentially we could do the structural modifications and supports in very early 2022, if that’s acceptable to the board,” Zarko said.
Supervisor Dan Bell asked how long the temporary supports could last, and Zarko said “if proper materials are used, galvanized steel and that kind of thing, the lifespan of the temporary modification could be 20 years,” he said. Worth noting, Zarko added: the temporary fix would address the structural deterioration, but not the capacity limitations, like a weight restriction that may be needed and could ban large trucks from using it.
Township Manager Rob Ford added that the bridge issue and possible solutions have been discussed by the board’s public works committee, and their concerns included line-of-sight and traffic backups around a nearby bend in the roadway, plus the estimated $2.5 million price tag of a full replacement.
Bell asked for specifics of a repair timeline, and Zarko said early estimates are roughly six to eight weeks to do the formal engineering and prepare bid documents, then two months to do the bidding process: “we’re probably looking at the fall to have the work done.”
Wilson said he thought the township could identify funds by then, perhaps by drawing on various township reserves and/or possible federal stimulus money, which could be discussed further by the board’s finance committee.
The board voted unanimously to direct Zarko and his firm with planning the temporary repairs and the inspection program, while bringing back longer-term fixes for future discussion.
“The problem’s not going away,” Bell added, and supervisor Laura Smith answered, “Get ‘er done.”