Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
The Randall Avenue Bridge is scheduled to reopen to traffic Wednesday, Jan. 14, according to Bristol Township officials.
Advertisements
The reopening would end a nearly 3-year-long closure that began after debris fell onto busy railroad tracks below.
Bristol Township officials said that construction on the bridge’s base repair is nearing completion.
Giuliani Construction finished base repair work Thursday, and roadway milling was underway Friday.
Advertisements
The final wearing course is expected to be installed Tuesday, which would allow the bridge to open Wednesday, as long as the weather cooperates.
The 107-year-old span has been shuttered since Feb. 23, 2023, when pieces of the bridge fell onto the Amtrak Northeast Corridor tracks.
Advertisements
Due the fact the bridge crosses active Amtrak, SEPTA, and freight lines, repairs required officials to temporarily suspend rail service to allow crews safe access to the underside of the structure.
“This project has been a long time coming, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and cooperation shown by our residents,” Township Council President Craig Bowen said. “Reopening the Randall Avenue Bridge is an important milestone for our community.”
The current repair project cost $2.75 million and was completed in multiple phases.
Advertisements
In addition to A. Giuliani & Co. Inc., the township credited Haines & Kibblehouse for Phase I substructure repairs and Loftus Construction for Phase II abutment repairs.
By completing the final paving now, officials noted the roadway will not require an additional closure during the upcoming summer months.
Advertisements
The repairs are considered a temporary measure.
While the bridge originally had a 3.5-ton restriction that was frequently ignored, the township plans to reopen the span at that same rating to avoid further delays.
Advertisements
Officials said last month that they may pursue a formal re-rating process for a higher tonnage capacity at a later date.
A complete replacement or overhaul of the bridge is estimated to cost as much as $25 million. The township is currently seeking funding for that more extensive future project.
Advertisements
Funding for the recent repairs was aided by a $2 million Multimodal Transportation Fund Grant secured with the help of State Sen. Steve Santarsiero, a Democrat, and State Rep. Tina Davis, a Democrat. Township officials recognized Congressman. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican, for his coordination with Amtrak representatives.
“This reopening marks real progress, but it is not the finish line,” Fitzpatrick said in a statement. “We will continue working together to ensure this bridge—and all the infrastructure that serves our community—are safe, reliable, and ready for the future.”
“I am thrilled the Randall Avenue bridge has been repaired and will be reopened”, said Santarsiero. “I’m thankful to everyone who contributed to completing this work as quickly as possible because I know how inconvenient the closure was for so many residents and businesses.”
Advertisements
Davis said she is thankful the bridge is reopening.
“I know that this has been a difficult hardship for the residents and I thank them for their continued patience. I was proud to work with Senator Santarsiero to bring $2 million in emergency funding from the state to help facilitate this rehabilitation project and I want to thank the Township Council and their staff for their tireless efforts, working together to get this project done for our community,” she said.
