Bristol Township’s pot of money for planned repair and mitigation work on the Randall Avenue Bridge just grew by $2 million.
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The township already has been granted $975,000 from PennDOT for bridge work. It is seeking millions more to either repair and renovate, demolish, or demolish and replace the crumbling span that crosses the busy Northeast Corridor rail line.
The newest financial aid stems from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Multimodal Transportation Fund and was announced this week by State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Tina Davis, both Democrats.
The township is pursuing additional funds, with preliminary estimates reaching up to $25 million for a complete bridge replacement.
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Bristol Township Manager Randee Mazur, who recently changed her last name from Elton, said the money is expected to fund remediation work to reopen the bridge in a safe manner until it can be replaced.
“The plan is still on target from what was discussed, with this funding we requested and hoped to receive, would allow for all the work to be completed (concrete removal, installation of wood decking and repair of the abutments) and allow PennDOT to approve the bridge reopening while we continue to work on getting funding for a full bridge replacement,” she said.
Due to how busy the rail lines below are and safety measures needed to inspect the bridge, the township has had trouble getting contractors to take on an inspection and other work. However, township officials believe they are closer to securing the right contractor.
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The township is still working on tallying the cost of the project with a contractor and also on a construction agreement with Amtrak, Mazur said.
The bridge has been closed since February 2023 after parts of the bridge were falling onto the tracks below.
The current 1919 bridge has been due to be replaced with a modern span for years, officials have said.
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“The repair and re-opening of the Randall Avenue bridge is critical for the safety of Bristol Township residents,” said Santarsiero. “This is an important first step while state and federal officials support the township’s long-term goal of rebuilding and replacing the structure.”
Local lawmakers heard an earful from residents at a January townhall meeting. Township officials also explained how they have been working to make repairs to the bridge even before the closure.
“The residents have been very patient throughout this process, and we owe it to them to ensure critical public safety personnel can get to them in a timely manner. I am hopeful that this funding will help make that goal a reality very soon,” Davis said.
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The bridge is owned and maintained by Bristol Township, but crosses the tracks owned by Amtrak. SEPTA and freight haulers also use the tracks.
Officials and residents have emphasized the bridge’s critical role in local infrastructure, as it provides connectivity between Route 13 and Radcliffe Street.
Some residents and officials have called on Amtrak to help fund the bridge replacement.
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“We extend our gratitude to both Sen. Santarsiero and Rep. Davis for their partnership and investment in Bristol Township’s shared future,” Bristol Township Council President Craig Bowen said upon learning of the grant. “This generous support, along with additional support from Congressman Fitzpatrick, emphasizes all of our commitment to ensuring safe and reliable transportation for all residents and visitors, and more specifically to our Edgely residents we heard from during our Town Hall Meeting. With these grant funds, we will work to restore and reopen the ‘Edgely’ Bridge, while continuing to seek funding for a much-needed full bridge replacement.”
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