Cumberland Valley News

South Newton issued the following announcement on July 22.

Cumberland And York Counties Close Bishop Bridge Bridge Permanently Closed After Inspection Reveals Significant Deterioration Of The 123- Year-Old Structure Carlisle, PA – Cumberland and York Counties today announced the permanent closure of Bishop Bridge carrying Bishop Road over the Yellow Breeches Creek in Upper Allen Township, Cumberland County and Monaghan Township, York County. 

The 123-year-old bridge was closed after a routine 3-month inspection revealed ongoing and significant deterioration of the bridge’s structure. Bishop Bridge was closed in 2014 after an inspection had shown deterioration to key bridge components. 

The bridge was later reopened after a short-term repair was made in 2015; however, Cumberland and York Counties evaluated long-term options for the bridge. A study found limited need for the bridge because of low daily traffic of approximately 217 vehicles and the availability of a nearby detour. 

The replacement cost of nearly $3 million along with the low mobility need resulted in a low-cost benefit ratio. As a result, both Boards of Commissioners acted in 2018 to authorize the closure of Bishop Bridge when significant repairs would be necessary in the future to keep it open to traffic. 

The counties worked with Messiah University and constructed an emergency access road through campus giving emergency responders improved access when flooding. The counties will determine the outcome of the bridge which could include, a transfer of ownership to a new owner, demolition or the bridge could remain but closed to traffic. 

The bridge has been marketed on PennDOT’s steel truss bridge website for 7 years with no success in finding a new owner. The counties have also discussed ownership opportunities with Upper Allen and Monaghan Townships.

Original source can be found here.