Across the eight Pennsylvania counties in our coverage region — Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia — there are nearly 800 bridges rated as "poor," data from PennDOT shows.
The southbound Route 420 bridge crossing Darby Creek in Delaware County will be closed indefinitely after an inspection revealed significant deterioration to the structure. During the bridge closure, southbound Route 420 (Wanamaker Avenue) motorists will be directed to use U.S. 13 (Chester Pike), Stewart Avenue and northbound Interstate 95 to access Route 420.
The proposal has been the subject of several Township Council presentations. However, residents near the site have complained to the council that there has not been enough publicity on the plan, and that its projected cost and impact will be much greater than anticipated.
The 7.58-acre
property is wedged between the railroad tracks and backyards of residences on Wanamaker Avenue off Franklin Turnpike, a mile south of the present DPW complex. It was purchased in 2003 by the township, and already contains its salt shed and some DPW vehicles. It shares the street with Extra Space Storage.
No final authorization is expected at the meeting. The hearing provides the township s planners with a chance to address its position and appropriateness. Public comment will include questions about project elements and possibly statements for or against the project. Final approval is in the hands of the Township Council.