Closed Randall Avenue Bridge Still Awaiting Inspection

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —The Randall Avenue bridge, closed since February, is still awaiting an inspection.

At its recent Township Council meeting, Township Manager Randee Elton said that the township was "still having issues getting it approved for inspection with Amtrak."

Elton said that a hi-rail truck did not pass inspection, therefore delaying the bridge inspection.

A township employee speaking to Patch Thursday said the situation hasn't changed since the last council meeting. Elton could not be reached for comment.

The next council meeting is on July 18.

Elton said that Bristol Township applied for a traffic signal permit, which was approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The permit would change Radcliffe Street to a solid green light while the bridge is out, she said.

The township conducted an "immediate shutdown" of the bridge on Feb. 23, citing safety reasons over falling concrete onto the Amtrak railway tracks.

Bristol Township has actively been seeking grant funds for the replacement of the 169-foot bridge in the township's Edgely section for the past three years.

The average daily traffic over the bridge is about 400 cars per day with a cost to replace the bridge upwards of $25 million, township officials have said.