December Completion Expected For Mill Creek Road Bridge

After being closed for more than a year, the Mill Creek Road bridge in Falls Township is expected to be completed before winter.

Construction on the county-owned bridge that crosses Martins Creek began in August 2018. It has progressed very slowly, according to nearby residents and motorists.

Bucks County General Services Director Kevin Spencer said a large amount of rainfall this year has caused problems as crews worked on the bridge. The rainfall and high water table earlier this year slowed down construction.

Recently, utility outages have been needed as a crane brought in for construction has been used within 20 feet of high tension power lines, Spencer said.

Work to pour the middle bridge pier was underway last week. Next up was construction on the eastern abutment.

The $2 million project, according to a 2018 notice from Falls Township officials, was originally expected to be completed in about a year.

Falls Township Board of Supervisors Chairperson Bob Harvie acknowledged at a meeting in September that residents have been asking about the bridge.

Spencer said last week that the completion date is currently slated for December 17.

Last year, the owner of the nearby Mill Creek Inn and Hoops Towing told the Bucks County Courier Times that the closure of the bridge has cost them business. Both have been impacted by the fact that drivers have to take a several-mile detour to get to the businesses.

The previous 78-foot-bridge was built in 1961 and had deteriorated in recent years.