Montour Trail-Letter

Volume 12, Issue 2

March/April, 2001

Georgetown bridge was knocked off its bearing pads, causing reduced clearance to the roadway below.

Some time late Tuesday morning, the 26th of December, a passer-by saw a boom-truck (one which hauls and delivers pallets of bricks or concrete block) strike the bottom of the Georgetown bridge, located about 1/4 mile east of Morganza Road across Hahn Road. The collision shoved the bridge structure off all four bearing pads, reducing the clearance beneath the bridge and roadway to 10 feet. The boom-truck then fled the scene, leaving little evidence as to whom the culprit was.

Sketchy reports and rumors began to circulate. Mystery and confusion turned to alarm early that afternoon when a large rubbish truck became stuck under the bridge due to the reduced clearance. It was freed. Cecil police were notified, as were Montour Trail representatives, PADOT and other concerned organizations. Traffic was halted for a while. By late afternoon traffic resumed under limited and controlled conditions using temporary signs and special police provided by the Cecil Township Police Department.

By noon on Wednesday, permanent emergency signage was installed per PADOT requirements. All vehicles were also monitored as to height to prevent further damage of any kind.

Early Thursday afternoon, a steel erection contractor employed by the Montour Trail Council, lifted the bridge structure off of the abutments and placed it on the Montour Trial just west of the abutment. Since then no crossing exists and the Trail section to the east TOWARD Chartiers Creek is closed to Trail traffic.

The person that caused the damage has been identified. The Montour Trail Council intends to return the bridge to its original position and is seeking reimbursement for all related expenses. Hopefully, Trail traffic will be resumed late this spring. Stay tuned.