WILLIAMSBURG — Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania Inc. officials remain hopeful the Dilling Bridge on the Lower Trail can be reopened before the onset of winter — but that may not happen.

“The potential to complete the first phase of the project is still possible, but, admittedly, colder weather will affect a Phase One completion date this fall and might actually be finished in the spring,” 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.

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.

“A team of engineers performed a thorough inspection of the structure, finding that a centrally located pier was severely compromised. The board of directors was notified immediately that this structure should be immediately closed for all passage, including bicycling, walking, equine activities, and any vehicle used for the purpose of maintaining the trail,” Panek said.

Rails to Trails’ insurance carrier also said the bridge should be closed until the necessary repairs were completed.

“For the sake of our trail users’ safety, and to ameliorate any potential liability for the Lower Trail, signs and barricades were placed on the bridge along the trail and at the trailheads. Notices of the closing appeared in local newspapers, on television news broadcasts, and on the Facebook site, which is maintained to inform all trail users of important happenings,” Panek said.

A crew from Cottle’s Asphalt and Maintenance of Everett started work on the bridge Oct. 28 but had to withdraw due to previous contractual obligations. Panek also said their work was hindered by inclement weather.

“Our contractor is doing all that he can to make this affordable and what we have to make it happen. He is deeply invested in making this happen for the people of central Pennsylvania,” Panek said.

The bridge project will be a two-phase project.

“We have determined that the repairs will be separated into two phases. Phase One will complete the repairs and return the bridge to full use, ensuring all safety-related issues are resolved. Phase Two will redirect the river flow to its original direction,” Panek said. “We are fully funded for Phase One, and a generous contribution of $12,500 from Blair County will be directed to our Phase Two endeavor. Our Phase One is fully funded by benefactors who, at their request, remain anonymous for their generosity.”

Panek said the response from Keller Engineers, Cottle’s Asphalt and the remarkable responses of local individuals and private foundations have been very unusual, approaching phenomenal in addressing a project of this scope.

“The response from anonymous and private donations has been phenomenal, that usually doesn’t happen,” Panek said. “We will get this thing fixed.”

Contributions to help pay for the project can be sent to the Rails to Trails of Central Pennsylvania Inc. GoFundMe account.

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