Pennsylvania Department of Transportation held a special meeting July 27 to provide an update on the replacement of the Indian Trail Road bridge and hear any concerns from residents.

The current Indian Trail Road bridge is more than 80 years old and has structural deficiencies, prompting its replacement, said project manager Mike Mignella.

Construction on the new bridge is slated to begin in January 2023 and will last 14-18 months. During construction, traffic will be detoured using Route 248 and Kreidersville Road.

Mike Wetzel, with Urban Engineers, explained the plan will slightly realign the bridge to improve safety.

The project aims to improve flooding by increasing drainage as cars approach the bridge and increasing the height of the bridge a little bit as well. Finally, minor road improvements will be made in the nearby area.

After hearing from the bridge replacement team, residents were able to ask questions and make comments on the proposed bridge.

Robert Hosking, of Stagecoach Road, expressed his views on the bridge replacement in a letter.

Increased commercial traffic and speeds, coupled with little to no pedestrian safety, were among the highest concerns for Hosking and other residents. Some other residents were concerned about increased accidents and sight distance from their driveways.

There will be no height or weight restrictions on the new bridge, meaning truck traffic will continue to use Indian Trail Road as a route. However, as residents pointed out, the roads are not in a condition to handle more commercial traffic.

High speeds already reportedly make residents feel unsafe in their yards, but with improved roads, this may worsen. Further, the Indian Trail Road bridge is situated over the Hokendauqua Creek, which teems with activity in the summer.

The proposed new bridge is 2 feet wider than the current one. This width is incompatible with pedestrians and cyclists, residents agreed.

The posted speed limit on Indian Trail Road is 40 mph, but not many people go that speed, Hosking said. He suggested designating the road as residential and hoped for more effective law enforcement.