EMPORIUM – Four hiking trail bridges have been replaced in the Elk State Forest, according to Jeanne Wambaugh, district forester.
Further, two bridges were on the Quehanna Hiking Trail and two on the Bucktail Path. Each of the old bridges had failed to pass engineering safety standards.
In 2013, the Elk State Forest was awarded a grant from the Sinnemahoning Watershed Grant Program, on behalf of the Sinnemahoning Stakeholders Committee and the Headwaters RD&D, for up to $15,000 for half the cost of the structures for the two Bucktail Path bridges, said Wambaugh.
According to her, the remainder of the bridge costs and the cement, rebar and labor were a match for this grant. The other bridges on the Quehanna hiking trail were paid for from district funds.
The bridges were put out for bid and E.T. Techtonics won the bid and delivered the bridges to the District Office. These bridges are made of fiberglass components with pressure treated deck boards, said Waumbaugh.
The components, she said, were light enough to carry to the sites and assemble on scene. The bridges varied in length from 16 to 40 feet.
Anyone who would like to contact the bureau is asked to please call the District Office at 814-486-3353.