A recently awarded state grant will pave the way for a critical bridge replacement project in Eldred Township in Schuylkill County, according to Representative Mike Tobash (R-125) and Senator David G. Argall (R-29).The $300,000 grant from the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) will support the replacement of Tannenbaum Board Bridge over Little Mahantango. The new bridge will be constructed using a precast arch system that will reduce the total project cost and minimize the amount of time the bridge will be closed.
“The existing bridge is in very poor condition and is in dire need of replacement, so this project is very high on the list of priorities for everyone who travels through the area,” Argall said. “I am thankful that this grant will support the bridge replacement in a way that creates fewer problems for local motorists and farmers, while at the same time reducing the cost to taxpayers.”
“This funding is important for a bridge that is on its last leg. I had a chance to take a look under the structure with Dan Dietrich, an Eldred Township official. It is already weight restricted and temporary repairs are keeping it open,” Tobash said. “If not replaced, it will be a long way for farm equipment and commercial vehicles to get through due to those existing weight restrictions. I was happy to advocate for the funding of this project, and going forward will also be doing so for other priority projects in the 125th district.”
The grant was awarded as part of DCED’s Multimodal Transportation Fund program, which provides funding for a number of infrastructure improvement projects, including roads, walking and bike trails, rail, traffic safety, public transportation, and air transport.