After 5-year closure, bridge slated for replacement in Bell Township

Five years ago, Mother Nature pummeled a stone bridge in Bell Township, and it has been closed ever since.

The Lantz bridge over Wolford Run, which is more than 60 years old, was severely damaged and partially washed out by high waters during an intense storm that year, said Angela Duffner, Bell Township secretary.

“It’s frustrating for people,” Duffner said of the yearslong closure.

Township officials announced Monday the bridge will be rebuilt, thanks in part to a $300,000 state grant secured with the help of former state Rep. Jason Silvis.

“We would have never been able to repair it,” Duffner said. “We’re a small township — the money is not there.”

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Bell Township Supervisor John Bowman surveys the closed bridge on Lantz Road. The span, which was damaged by storms five years ago, is scheduled to be replaced this year.

The total cost for the project is $414,000.

The remaining cost, $114,000, will be paid for with state Act 13 money earmarked by the township for bridges and roads.

Gibson-Thomas Engineering Co. of Latrobe will handle the bid process over the next few months, Duffner said.

Officials hope construction on the new bridge will be completed this year.

The new bridge will be two lanes, one in each direction, replacing the current single-lane bridge.

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Bell Township Supervisor John Bowman adjusts a road closure sign Monday on Lantz Road. The road and its corresponding bridge have been closed for five years.

Duffner said Lantz Road, which has about 10 to 15 homes on it, can be accessed from only one road, both in and out. The closed bridge results in vehicle traffic detouring on Route 380 to access Lantz Road.

“It’s a good thing we’re replacing the bridge,” Duffner said. “God forbid a fire truck has to get down there.”

Township Supervisor John Bowman checked the bridge Monday. In addition to a road closure sign, a large tree has fallen across the bridge.

The bridge has a gaping hole more than 4 feet wide. Through it, rushing water from the creek is visible from the bridge deck.

“We’re really happy,” Bowman said. “Truthfully, it would have been awfully hard to pay for it any other way.”

Joyce Hanz | Tribune-Review

Bell Township Supervisor John Bowman stands next to a gaping hole Monday on a closed bridge on Lantz Road in Bell Township.

Construction on the bridge will not affect traffic because the road has been closed for five years, Bowman said.

Silvis said working to obtain the grants was a priority.

“I knew they needed the money in the community for this project,” Silvis said.