READING – Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region Director Doug Killough announced Monday the closure of the Rausch Gap Bridge on State Game Land 211, Cold Spring Township, Lebanon County. This closure is necessary due to a partial collapse of the bridge foundation rendering it unsafe for travel.
“The Stony Valley railroad grade, where this bridge is located, is a popular trail used by hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders,” Killough said. “The bridge cannot be repaired in its current state because of the foundation collapse. A new foundation will need to be created to support a new bridge deck.”
The railroad grade will continue to operate as a designated route for horseback and mountain bike travel, but it will end at the closed bridge. Users may enter from either Goldmine Road or Ellendale Road, but will need to turn around when they get to the bridge and exit from that same direction they entered. The agency is exploring options to create a detour around the bridge.
Re-opening of the bridge is uncertain at this time. Work on the bridge will not proceed until a funding source is identified.
The Appalachian Trail crosses the bridge and the AT Conservancy has been notified so that they may pursue a detour route around the bridge.