HEPBURN TOWNSHIP, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Bridge repairs in Lycoming County are complete.
It’s part of a three-year bridge bundling project. The bridge along Klump Road in Hepburn Township is one of four bridges recently completed as part of Lycoming County’s bridge bundling program.
“Act 89 was passed by the state about eight years ago or so and allowed counties to impose a $5 fee on vehicle registrations. We are taking the $5 fee that’s collected by the state and given back to the counties and we’re using it to repair bridges,” Lycoming County Commissioner Rick Mirabito said.
It’s an idea that’s been in the making since 2010 and is backed by all of the county’s commissioners. Construction began in the spring and now the first bunch is finished. Similar to buying in bulk from stores like Giant or Costco, grouping these projects together saves the county hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Each bridge would’ve cost over $200,000 with a program and it cost about $166,000. This one here on Klump Road, a total cost was only $120,000,” Bassett Engineering president Britt Bassett said.
Fortunately, the engineers didn’t have any serious issues with the shortage of supplies, but Bassett says that could be a different story next year.
“We’re a little concerned about next year, like we’ve done a pre-cast bridge this year and they said they were okay. But even simple things like cement reinforcing steel it is a concern moving forward absolutely, but it worked out this year,” Bassett said.
Although these bridges may not be in most peoples’ neck of the woods, it’s a repair that ensures safety for everyone who travels these roadways.
“While your municipality may not be served by this, it certainly impacts us all together as Lycoming County citizens,” county transportation planner Austin Daily said.
Next year the county set to complete 10 more bridges. By 2023 a total of 17 bridges will be completed as part of their bridge bundling project.
