Valley Road, a short thoroughfare connecting Kernsville and Haasadahl roads in South Whitehall Township, is closed due to a defective bridge near the Guthsville Rod and Gun Club.

Public Works Manager Jeff Clapper reported to commissioners during their April 4 meeting, that employees noticed deterioration on the bridge in February and immediately set up barricades to prevent traffic from crossing.

Township representatives asked Keystone Consulting Engineers, Wescosville, to conduct an inspection.

Keystone’s report advised keeping the 19-foot 6-inch, 16-ton capacity bridge closed until repairs are completed.

Clapper commented on the project.

“The estimated repair cost is $150,000 to $200,000,” Clapper said. “We do not have a recommendation tonight where that money will come from.

“We’ll get started with the engineering this year.”

The KCE report indicates four beams need to be replaced at an estimated cost of $50,000; grout bags must be installed in the scour area along with rip rap in the southeast corner for $35,000; the deck has to be sandblasted and painted for $40,000; the guardrail needs updating at $29,500; and abutment repairs can be done for $5,000.

The engineering documentation suggests township workers can remove the debris pile under the bridge and possibly do the abutment repairs.

Commissioners approved engineering services from KCE in two phases.

At a cost of $7,475 the engineers will prepare plans and bid specifications to remove and replace existing steel beams, remove the grating, and sandblast, paint, and reinstall it.

For $6,995, KCE will prepare bids and specs to obtain a stream permit from the Department of Environmental Protection and repair scouring under the bridge abutment.

Clapper said these costs are related to engineering and not the cost of the actual bridge repairs.

At the request of the public works manager, commissioners approved $9,170 to cover costs of inspecting the Valley, Grammes, and Hausman road bridges, large box culverts at New Street and Crackersport Road, and a pedestrian structure over the Jordan Creek in Covered Bridge Park.

Clapper stated the inspection reports will include recommendations for preventive maintenance and any corrective actions if needed.