Irwin officials Tuesday once again were faced with the reality that there will be no easy solution to reopening the closed Colony Drive Bridge, which is the closest connection between a 226-unit apartment complex and Route 30.
Colony Drive Bridge was closed Jan. 15 because of a hole in the deck.
Borough officials learned Tuesday that prices have changed on installing a temporary bridge — either purchased or rented — that would serve until the borough finds the money to replace it with a permanent one.
The cost of renting a temporary bridge was estimated last month at about $18,000 a year, while purchasing one could range from about $48,000 to about $78,000, depending on the width.
The bridge deck and support beams will have to be replaced, but the wing walls underneath each end of the bridge are intact, said Borough Manager Shari Martino.
A new bridge could cost between $500,000 and $700,000, plus engineering costs, the borough learned last month.
“It’s all about the money,” Councilman Sean Stitely said.
Irwin can’t turn to PennDOT for assistance because, unlike many other bridges, it’s not owned by the state, Martino said.
One possible federal funding source could be the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development program, but the deadline for applying for the money is Sunday, March 8, Martino said.
It was unclear whether Gibson-Thomas Engineering of Latrobe, the borough’s engineer, would be able to complete the application in time to meet the deadline, because it was not known what information would be required to include in the application, Martino said.
Council members said they wanted the engineer to apply for the grant, if possible, saying they don’t want to pass up the chance.
“It’s pretty disappointing if we don’t try something,” said council President Tyler Baum.
A representative from Gibson-Thomas did not attend Tuesday night’s meeting, but they are expected at council’s March 11 meeting.
Martino said she is uncertain how much of a local match — possibly 10% to 20% — Irwin would have to pay if it gets the federal grant. She said the borough could know if it is successful in May.
To help pay for a temporary bridge, Norwin Townhomes, owner of the apartment complex directly impacted by the closing, has promised to donate $24,000 for a bridge to span the unnamed tributary of Tinker’s Run.
Nick Matt, a partner in Norwin Townhomes, expressed his disappointment that a plan has not been developed.
Councilman Rick Burdelski asked what the borough’s backup plan is if it can’t obtain the federal grant.
“It’s the utmost priority to get at least a temporary bridge,” said Councilman Frank Rossi.
But Stitely said he would not vote to install a temporary bridge “if it’s a waste of money.”
