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Conewago Township orders engineering probe after Elm Road bridge sinkhole forces closure
Summary
The board authorized RETTEW Engineering to investigate the Elm Road bridge after a sinkhole and a corroded metal culvert prompted a closure and detour recommendation; the study will determine whether repair or full replacement is needed.
Conewago Township’s Board of Supervisors voted July 7 to authorize RETTEW Engineering to investigate the Elm Road bridge after township staff reported a sinkhole and a corroded metal culvert under the span.
The township reported that a sinkhole/depression formed near the bridge and that a metal culvert beneath the structure has rusted away, prompting an immediate road closure and a recommendation to develop a detour plan. The board directed RETTEW to assess whether the span can be repaired or must be replaced.
The township engineer presented the emergency condition to the board; no cost estimate or timeline for the engineering study was recorded in the minutes. The board’s authorization provides RETTEW the go-ahead to perform field inspection and prepare recommendations for next steps, which could include temporary repairs, full replacement design, or further emergency measures.
Township officials did not record a vote tally in the minutes beyond noting the motion carried; the minutes state only that the board authorized the investigation. The minutes do not specify when work will begin, how long the bridge closure will last, or which department will manage detour implementation.
Next steps: the engineer’s report and RETTEW’s findings are expected to be presented to the board when available so the board can decide on repairs, funding needs, and a construction schedule.
