CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Franklin County is making significant strides in its infrastructure management plan, prioritizing bridge replacements to ensure safe and reliable transportation for residents.
The county recently completed two major bridge replacements: the Leafmore Road Bridge over Back Creek and the Hickory Run Road Bridge over Conodoguinet Creek. The Leafmore Bridge opened Aug. 7, and the Hickory Run Bridge opened Oct. 17.
The county’s strategic approach has also positioned it well for funding opportunities through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Three bridge projects have secured between 95% and 100% of the requested funding through the IIJA, with these projects set to enter the design phase within the next 12 months, according to a news release. Additionally, eight more bridges are prioritized for replacement by 2034. Once these projects are completed, Franklin County will have addressed all current poor-condition bridges in its inventory of 91.5.
Franklin County has been investing in its bridge program for decades, including employing a dedicated maintenance crew. These investments have resulted in a significantly lower percentage of poor-condition bridges compared to the state average. According to PennDOT data, 34% of locally owned bridges in Pennsylvania are either weight-restricted or closed, while only 10% of Franklin County’s bridges fall into this category.
This achievement reflects the county’s intentional approach over the past 20 years, despite challenges such as replacing outdated “non-composite adjacent box beam” (NCABB) bridges. Nine of these bridges were in service in the county until two — Leafmore Road and Hickory Run Road — were replaced this year. Four of the seven remaining NCABB bridges also are prioritized for replacement. These bridges, common in the 1960s and 1970s due to lower construction costs, are now prohibited by PennDOT standards and require replacement as they deteriorate.
Franklin County’s comprehensive approach involves assessing bridge conditions, prioritizing repair and replacement needs, and securing substantial funding. The Franklin County Commissioners, in collaboration with their bridge engineering firm, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic Inc., developed a 10-year capital improvement plan. This plan identifies and prioritizes needs for all 91.5 bridges based on factors such as anticipated lifespan, local planning goals and the bridge’s importance to the roadway network, including traffic volumes and emergency access. By proactively identifying these needs, the county can budget more effectively, seek funding opportunities and ensure timely replacements to avoid load restrictions or closures that would inconvenience drivers.
“Ultimately, we are committed to providing a safe and reliable driving experience for Franklin County residents in the most fiscally responsible way possible,” said Franklin County Commissioner Chairman Dean Horst. “Our bridge infrastructure management plan allows us to invest wisely in our bridges, maximizing service while minimizing costs and disruptions to the county’s transportation system.”
The bridge infrastructure management plan is the latest initiative in Franklin County’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its bridge program, building on more than 20 years of dedicated investment and strategic planning.
This story was created by Janis Reeser, jreeser@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at https://cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.