North Cornwall Township plans to replace Walden Road bridge

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

The North Cornwall Township Board of Supervisors discussed plans to replace a Walden Road bridge over Snitz Creek at its meeting Tuesday.

Supervisors directed township engineer Steve Sherk to begin plans to replace the bridge, including looking into the permitting process and different options for the bridge itself. Both Sherk and supervisors expressed a preference of a box culvert structure for bridge design.

Sherk provided a rough estimate of $400,000 total, but this will change dependent on project specs and bidders, among other things.

As of now, the bridge is prone to overflow and debris blockages. The bridge design uses pipes to handle water flow, but the pipes are easily blocked, Sherk said. This can cause flooding of the bridge and necessitate township staff clearing the debris.

While the flood risk may not be completely preventable without excessive costs, supervisor Mike Wahmann said, the township can “alleviate some flooding” with the bridge’s replacement. However, the new bridge will continue to close temporarily during severe weather events (though the township hopes closures will be shorter).

Wahmann said the bridge has been in need of replacement for at least 20 years.

In other news, the board:

• Heard a warning from the police department that there has been an increase in vehicle thefts. Residents are advised to lock car doors and not leave valuables in their vehicles.
• Unanimously approved the sewage facilities planning module for Springwood Development Partners. The module will be approved by the Department of Environmental Protection before a plan is drawn up and brought to the township for approval.
• Heard that the 2025 paving project has begun.
• Unanimously approved minutes and the treasurer’s report.
• Heard that the fall newsletter is ready to be mailed out.
• Tabled decision on a request for a handicapped parking spot by a resident of Chestnut Street.

The North Cornwall Board of Supervisors meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 and 6 p.m. respectively. Meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.