08/04/07 — Crawford County’s 38 bridges are inspected by an engineer on a regular basis and Steve Scott, county maintenance director, said Friday he is confident they are safe despite the fact that many are very old.
“Overall, they (the bridge conditions) are improving,” said Owen Beachy, engineer with The EADS Group, which is the county’s contracted engineer.
“Crawford County has a lot of old antiquated trusses from the late 1800s,” he said, explaining the structure on many of the bridges. “Crawford County has been pro-active in preparing for replacement or repair.
“If we think there is a significant (unsafe) condition we will close the bridge down,” said Beachy.
He said while a bridge may be listed as having “structural deficiencies,” that “doesn’t make it not safe.”
Scott said while the engineer does the structural inspections, the maintenance crews are watchful for any problems which may surface and make repairs or notify the engineer for further inspections.
While all but a few of the county-owned bridges are open, many have weight limits of 3 tons, which is the next step to closing a bridge, said Scott.
Crawford County has seven county bridges “under agreement” or pending agreements for replacement, said Beachy. Estimated cost of replacements will be close to $15 million. Construction is to be done between 2008 and 2013.
Those bridges and estimated costs are:
n Mead Avenue, Meadville, $7 million.
n Tower Road, Spring Township, $1 million. It was closed after an overweight vehicle tried to cross it.
n Eddy Road, Athens Township, $750,000.
n Smith Road, Summerhill Township, $750,000.
n Wightman near Conneaut Outlet, East Fairfield Township, $750,000.
n Kreitz Road, Cambridge Springs, $750,000.
n South Perry Street, Titusville, $1.5 million.
Local News
County bridges to be inspected in wake of bridge collapse
- Local News
-
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
-
Fire guts historic Vernon Township building
“Another landmark gone,” Sandy Porter of the Crawford County Historical Society said as he looked across the street at the large red-brick building gutted by fire early Sunday just outside Meadville’s city limits.
-
No snow? Road crews have plenty to keep them busy
Patching potholes, clearing ditches and readying equipment for spring projects: Those are a few of the ways area crews have been keeping busy in recent days as Mother Nature’s decidedly spring-like behavior has caused road departments to start switching gears.
-
News analysis: Romney proves he's tough and adaptable
Mitt Romney’s resounding win in the Florida GOP primary last week is a warning shot to any Democrats who think the former Massachusetts governor will be a soft target.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
