DUBOIS – An update on the closed Platt Road bridge was given at Monday’s Sandy Township meeting.
According to Township Manager Dick Castonguay, the current estimate for the arch is $130,00 to $135,000. This figure is only for the arch, and does not include foundations, guard rails, walls and other such features.
“I think if we can stay out of the stream we can save on the cost,” said Castonguay.
Construction costs would increase if entering the stream as well as the difficulty of getting of getting a permit from the Department of Environmental Protection.
DEP has agreed to the township’s request to use the storm water management survey instead of having to have a new survey completed. A new design will still be needed by DEP.
As reported from a prior meeting, the township is looking to finish this project with only local funding. By not accepting state or federal funding the township will not be bound by certain state and federal standards that are attached to those funds. One example used by Castonguay were special anchors to help the bridge during an earthquake. While not unheard of, sizable earthquakes are not a common occurrence for Pennsylvania.
“It’s interesting, we talked about replacing the bridges ourselves, but I didn’t expect we would have to start with our largest,” said Castonguay.
At 53 feet across the Platt Road bridge is the largest bridge owned by the township.