Bucks Water & Sewer Calling For Immediate Bridge Repairs In New Hope

WARRINGTON, PA — The Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority (BCWSA) is calling on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to make immediate repairs to the closed Upper Union Mills Bridge that provides utility and emergency vehicles access to the New Hope Waterworks Condominium.

BCWSA owns and operates a water treatment facility that is located on the property along the Delaware River.

After conducting an interim inspection on June 8, the DCNR closed the bridge on June 14 eliminating BCWSA’s only access to make emergency repairs and pump replacements to the water treatment plant. Subsequently, DCNR stated in a letter to the condominium association that it would make temporary repairs to re-open access for BCWSA. However, no work on the bridge has been performed since it was closed, and the repairs report has not been provided, said the authority. Therefore, BCWSA said it will be is seeking court intervention to resolve the issue.

“The water treatment facility is critical infrastructure for the residents and businesses of New Hope Borough and the surrounding communities. BCWSA needs to be able to access the facility with the correct equipment and machinery to conduct maintenance and any necessary repairs to provide water for residents, businesses, the Delaware River Canal and fire suppression,” said John Cordisco, chair of BCWSA’s Board of Directors.

The Upper Union Mills Bridge is necessary for emergency vehicle access, according to Cordisco. The closure limits access to the Waterworks Condominium to a single point over a second bridge that leads directly into the parking garage with a clearance of less than seven feet in height. Utility and emergency response vehicles, including those of BCWSA, are too large for the parking garage.

“The condo community is prone to flooding, and emergency evacuations can be expected,” said Cordisco. “Services will be delayed in responding to emergency situations, whether it’s flooding, a fire or any other serious incident in the community, risking life and property.”

BCWSA provides water service to 2,600 customers in New Hope Borough. The water treatment facility provides fresh drinking water to residents as well as water to DCNR for use in the Delaware Canal, helping to alleviate mosquito populations.

BCWSA and the Waterworks Condominium Association have made requests for the reports and calculations DCNR used to make the bridge closure determination. State Sen. Steven J. Santarsiero’s office has been assisting in the matter to help resolve the issue among all parties involved, according to Cordisco.

“It is crucial that we have all the information in front of us and know exactly what repairs are needed,” said Cordisco. “This has been an ongoing issue that needs to be resolved immediately.”