Lansdale Reopens Wissahickon Pedestrian Bridge

LANSDALE, PA — After just a few days of closure and widespread concern from the community, Lansdale has reopened the highly traveled pedestrian bridge in Wissahickon Park.

The bridge connecting the park to Valleybrook Drive was initially shut down on Wednesday, Feb. 12 after the borough said that there were structural concerns that needed to be addressed.

>>Lansdale Shuts Down Pedestrian Bridge At Wissahickon Park

The route is used by students walking to and from Knapp Elementary School, and the proposed route change, along with a perceived lack of timeline and details on a potential resolution, had many residents expressing their concerns. Students were detoured to Knapp Road, which parents said was too dangerous, especially for the younger children.

By Saturday, the bridge was reopened, as the borough laid commercial aluminum staging over the existing bridge, creating an "independent pathway" as part of what they're calling an interim solution.

The aluminum is supported at either end of the bridge by existing abutments, which are not compromised, the borough said. It also makes use of the existing railings.

In the meantime, crews will work on permanently replacing the bridge and will continue to monitor the aluminum staging to ensure its safety.