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Douglass Township closes County Line Road bridge after inspection; engineers estimate $2 million repair
Summary
An inspection found corrosion on the County Line Road bridge over Swamp Creek and it was closed April 16. Township engineer Allison Lee estimated repairs at about $2 million and said PennDOT, PADEP and the solicitor are working on permits and easements; the township may be eligible for an 80% PADEP match for repairs.
Douglass Township officials said an inspection found corrosion on the County Line Road bridge over Swamp Creek and closed the bridge to all traffic on April 16, 2025.
Township engineer Allison Lee told the Board April 21 that the bridge was found to be in critical condition and that the original construction plan remains usable. “The cost update is 2 million dollars,” Lee said, and she reported PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the township solicitor are working on required easements and permits.
Lee said the Township could receive an 80% match from PADEP for repairs; the township would be responsible for the remaining 20 percent. Chairman Josh Stouch said representatives from the state House and Senate were working to secure the Township’s 20% share without tapping township taxpayers.
Mr. Stouch and the engineering team said the bridge had been placed on hold after a 2015 bid package and permitting delays; the Township will pursue permitting and easements so formal bidding and construction can move forward. The engineer did not provide a construction timetable at the meeting; Mr. Stouch said a timeline update is expected around June.
During public comment resident Mr. Updegrove said motorists reported no posted signs at the Giant store warning of the bridge closure, forcing drivers to travel down County Line Road and turn around. The Board asked Roadmaster Michael Heydt to arrange posting of a sign in that location.
Next steps noted in the meeting: complete necessary easements and permits with PennDOT and PADEP, record required documents through the solicitor’s office, and pursue funding options. No formal vote was required at the meeting; the item was presented as an engineering update and planning matter.
