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Carbon County officials say repeated collisions with Jim Thorpe covered bridge risk permanent closure; cameras and a soft close planned
Summary
Commissioners described repeated collisions that have damaged the Jim Thorpe covered bridge and said they will use camera monitoring, letters to vehicle owners and a "soft close" during PennDOT work to try to prevent further damage. They warned continued impacts could force a permanent closure.
Carbon County commissioners warned at their April 10 meeting in Jim Thorpe that repeated collisions with a locally owned covered bridge have damaged the structure and could force a permanent closure if the incidents continue.
Commissioner Arner said county staff reviewed surveillance and found four separate vehicles struck the bridge within a 36-hour period. He said the county will work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to place cameras and implement a "soft close" — a local restriction intended to limit through traffic — during a nearby PennDOT replacement project.
The discussion matters because damage has required repeated repairs and carries public-safety and fiscal consequences. "Please don't use our bridge if you exceed the weight limit or the height limit because it is costing the county and the taxpayers," Commissioner Arner said. He estimated repairs and recurring maintenance could…
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