Dickinson Township to advertise bids to replace scour‑critical Cold Springs Road bridge

The Dickinson Township Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 authorized township engineers to advertise for construction bids to replace the Cold Springs Road one‑lane bridge, which staff described as scour‑critical with underside damage and multiple cracks.

The board approved the advertisement after an engineer’s presentation that said stabilization was not feasible and full replacement was recommended. Township Manager Jill Lovett told the board the project estimate is $376,670 and that Cumberland County’s Small Bridge Program will fund 50% of the cost, not to exceed $200,000 in award funds.

Engineer Jason Reichard described the existing structure as roughly 16.5 feet wide with a 13.5‑foot span and 3.5‑foot rise, and said recent inspections found scour and flood‑related damage undermining the bridge’s integrity. Reichard said the proposed replacement will widen the travelway but keep the span and vertical clearance similar, and he estimated the new structure’s service life at about 50 years.

Lovett said required permits from the state and county have been received and that the township held a public meeting on Jan. 29 that about 10 of 16 affected households attended. The tentative plan calls for a road closure at the beginning of October with work lasting approximately three to four weeks. Staff outlined temporary mitigations including parking areas on both sides of the bridge, a pedestrian path wide enough for ATVs and emergency access, and coordination with the school district, emergency responders and the post office on routing and bus stops.

Reichard discussed contract provisions such as possible incentives or liquidated‑damages deductions intended to encourage timely completion. Some supervisors expressed concern that such provisions could deter bidders or encourage shortcuts; Reichard said the engineer’s on‑site oversight would enforce contract compliance. The board did not require incentive/deduction clauses when it authorized advertisement.

Chairman Rob Kole moved to authorize C.S. Davidson to advertise the project; Vice Chairperson Jennifer DeGaetano seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Award of construction contracts will return to the board for action at the March meeting.

Project funding sources and next steps: the township expects to apply the county small‑bridge grant (50% up to $200,000) and use township funds for the balance; the advertisement will solicit bidders and include the township’s construction schedule and permit conditions.