Chain Link Fence On Manayunk's Pencoyd Bridge Gives Static Shock

MANAYUNK, PA — The chain link fence on the Pencoyd Bridge, a small, recently rehabilitated bridge which spans the Schuylkill River between Manayunk and Lower Merion, gives a static shock if it is touched with bare skin, Patch has learned.

The one-lane bridge, which features a walkway used by pedestrians, bikers, and runners, spans the Schuylkill near the UA Main Street Theatre 6 in Manayunk. On the Montgomery County side, it leads to the Royal Athena, a new apartment complex, the rehabilitated Penncoyd Iron Works, and eventually to Righters Ferry Road.

Officials with MLP Ventures and O'Neill Properties, which restored the bridge and reopened it in 2016, dispensed notions from some residents that the fence was electrified intentionally.

The precise cause of the static charge is unclear, but a spokesperson for MLP said that they are working with Lower Merion Township to address the issue. The township still needs to approve a pending permit for the work, according to MLP spokesman Kevin Kyle.

Once a permit is issued, officials estimate the work will take around four to six weeks to complete.

The charge impacts a portion of the fence on the eastern side of the bridge, between the bridge and the river.

In addition to addressing the shock issue, MLP said that the planned work will reconfigure part of the decking of the walkway, remove part of the chain link fence, and replace it with a more decorative custom cable railing.

It's not clear when Lower Merion Township will issue the permit. Patch has reached out to the township for comment on the situation.

In the meantime, officials do not appear to have any plans to put up a sign warning pedestrians and cyclists of the shock.

Images via Justin Heinze