- Last Updated on Tuesday, 30 April 2013 20:38
By Paul Chasko
After years of badgering and pleading for PennDOT to replace the single-lane Rankintown Bridge between Union and Peters Townships on State Route SR1006, the project is now underway.
After years of badgering and pleading for PennDOT to replace the single-lane Rankintown Bridge between Union and Peters Townships on State Route SR1006, the project is now underway.
 Westbound Traffic pile-up
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The old Rankintown Bridge carrying traffic over Peters Creek in Union Township has been a traffic bottle-neck worsening every year as traffic increases between Peters Township and Union Township. The bridge is one way and drivers line up at either end of the bridge during peak traffic hours taking turns to cross over. In addition, the bridge has no pedestrian walkway. It is dangerous as well as inconvenient. It is not uncommon during rush hour to see aggravated drivers 25 to 30 cars deep piled up on both sides of the bridge waiting for their turn to cross over. Access to the bridge by emergency vehicles at rush hour is also a problem. Officials from both Peters and Union Townships have been petitioning PennDOT and our State representatives to replace the structure for years.
 Eastbound traffic pile-up
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A representative from PennDOT said that the project had been funded only for preliminary engineering work and that actual construction could be as long as two years down the road. More details on the extent of the intrusion onto adjacent properties and any construction schedule will be unavailable until the preliminary engineering is completed and reviewed. Then the project will need to be budgeted and scheduled for detailed engineering and construction. It sounds as though we’ll be taking turns to cross the Rankintown Bridge for a bit longer.
There will be a public meeting advertised and hosted by PennDOT on their plans to replace the bridge. It will be held at the Union Twp. Municipal Building on May 22nd .
PennDOT has asked for the space between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
There will be a public meeting advertised and hosted by PennDOT on their plans to replace the bridge. It will be held at the Union Twp. Municipal Building on May 22nd .
PennDOT has asked for the space between 4:30 pm and 6:30 pm.
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