Middletown Township is getting a $200,000 boost to finally fix a problem that has become a running joke in the community: trucks hitting the South Flowers Mill Road Bridge.
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The township announced this week that State Sen. Frank Farry and State Rep. Joe Hogan, both Republicans, secured a state budget appropriation of $200,000 to design and install an advanced warning system on the low overpass.
“This bridge has long posed challenges for our community,” said Township Manager Eden Ratliff. “Time and again, trucks have become stuck beneath it, triggering major traffic accidents, costly repairs, and emergency response activations.”
Since February, there have been at least six documented incidents of trucks striking the bridge, leading to road closures, multi-vehicle accidents, and lengthy traffic delays.
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The problem is so common that the township even resorted to a billboard to warn drivers.
Previously, township officials have said it is impractical to lower the roadway or raise the bridge that carries rail tracks above.
Farry, who grew up in the area, said he has seen the consequences of the crashes firsthand in his role as chief of Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company.
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“When the opportunity arose to secure funding for a safety project, we knew it was important for Middletown,” Farry said. “This investment will not only help prevent crashes at the bridge but will also reduce the delays caused when trucks must turn around after discovering they can’t clear it.”
Hogan said the funds will help the township build “critical safety infrastructure.”
“Far too many times have we seen the South Flowers Mill Road bridge be shut down and repaired after a truck struck it,” Hogan said. “I was proud to work with Sen. Farry to get this support for the project, which will help stop accidents and save Middletown money it has spent on repairs.”
Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
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Ratliff credited the township’s staff and first responders for their efforts over the years.
“We wouldn’t be advancing this solution without the collaboration of our internal teams, emergency responders, and the support from Sen. Farry and Rep. Hogan,” he said.
Supervisors Chairperson Mike Ksiazek called the new system a “critical step” in enhancing public safety and minimizing roadway disruptions.
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“Middletown Township is dedicated to proactive solutions that protect residents and support the continued growth and wellbeing of our community,” Ksiazek said.
The township plans to move forward with the design, permitting, and installation of the advanced warning system over the next year.
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