Construction to repair Lower Trail bridge begins

WILLIAMSBURG -- Work to repair the Dilling Bridge on the Lower Trail began Tuesday morning.

The bridge, located between mile markers 9 and 10, is near the midpoint of the 16.5-mile walking/biking trail that runs from Flowing Spring near Canoe Creek to Alfarata near Alexandria.

The bridge was marked for closure Aug. 29 following an inspection by Keller Engineers Inc., Hollidaysburg, which showed a deterioration of one of the bridge's supporting piers.

Construction of a cofferdam by contractor Cottle's Asphalt and Maintenance of Everett is part of the first phase of the project, said Mike Panek, vice president of Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania Inc., which owns the trail. Panek is also director of trail conditions and maintenance.

A cofferdam is an enclosure built within a body of water to allow the enclosed area to be pumped out or drained. This pumping creates a dry working environment so that the work can be carried out safely. Cofferdams are commonly used for construction or repair of permanent dams, oil platforms, bridge piers, etc., built within water, according to Wikipedia.

"What they are doing will destabilize the pier. When this first phase is done, the bridge will be as safe to use as it ever was," Panek said.

If all goes well, this part of the project could be completed by Nov. 7, but heavy rain expected today, Oct. 30, could set the project back, Panek said.

A second phase which can be completed later would remove debris that could redirect the stream to create a more even waterflow, Panek said.

Panel said a total cost of the project has not been determined, but so far, Rails to Trails has received four private donations to help pay for the project. A GoFundMe page has raised $1,200 to date.

"There has been no government funding at this point," Panek said.

Panek also said people are requested to stay clear of the construction site.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.