$267,000 grant steps up bridge replacement in Washington Township
Washington Township supervisors are grateful for state grants that make expensive bridge projects possible for small, rural communities like theirs.
The township’s former Poke Run Church Road bridge was torn down this month to make way for a box culvert bridge.
The new bridge is being paid for by a $267,000 grant secured with the help of former state Rep. Jason Silvis.
The grant, awarded in February, is from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
Township Supervisor Matt Thornton said the grant will free up funds for other projects in the township.
“That’s why we’re so happy about (the grant),” he said. “Bridges are just crazy expensive.”
The previous bridge that spanned Poke Run was more than 50 years old. It was closed by township officials in September.
“The bridge was past its end of life and slated for replacement,” Thornton said. “Supervisors and borough crews were all worried about the safety of the bridge.”
When completed, the two-lane bridge will be functionally similar to the former bridge but with an updated design.
Township Supervisor Joe Olszewski spearheaded the project and the grant application process.
“He’s really been shepherding this all along,” Thornton said.
State Rep. Jill Cooper, R-Murrysville, and Silvis were instrumental in assisting the township, the supervisors said.
Sure Shot Excavating of Kittanning will handle the bid process over the next few weeks, Thornton said.
About six homes are affected by the temporary closure and rerouting of Poke Run Church Road. The detour takes motorists from the closed bridge section of Poke Run Church Road to Route 66, then to Mamont Drive.
The supervisors noted several township residents spokeduring previous meetings and asked about the bridge’s status.
“We’ve been trying to get this done, and we needed to get it done as quickly as we could. They’re making good progress and should be done in about six weeks,” Olszewski said. “The residents are happy and enthusiastic to hear it’s being replaced.”
“It’s great the state is helping communities and supporting local communities,” Thornton said. “I’m really glad to see it.”
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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