Narberth council directs staff to pursue single‑phase bridge rebuild, ending pedestrian access during construction

Narberth Borough Council directed staff to pursue a scope change for the borough’s federally funded bridge reconstruction that would eliminate pedestrian access during construction and allow a single‑phase build. The change, described by staff as “Option 3,” is projected to reduce cost to the borough and speed the project’s completion by about 11 months.

Maggie, a borough staff member leading the update, told council that if the borough chooses to eliminate pedestrian access and build in a single phase, “we would terminate pedestrian access for the duration of the construction project, which is about 15 months,” and that choice would be “a net savings of about $270,000 to the overall project cost.” She clarified that the project is federally funded and that any costs beyond the approved federal budget would fall to the borough. Construction manager Moe Ogowe (Traffic Planning & Design) added that the contractor and PennDOT preferred the single‑phase approach and that consolidating work would likely reduce the amount of night work over the life of the project.

Council discussion focused on tradeoffs among schedule, cost and accessibility. Several members urged staff to obtain a solicitor opinion to clarify which party bears contract risk and to ensure any contract addenda include incentives or liquidated damages to hold the contractor to an accelerated schedule. Council members also pushed staff to explore accommodations for mobility‑impaired residents during the closure, from shuttle service to temporary ramps, though staff warned some tunnel ramps may be technically infeasible.

The motion to pursue the Option 3 scope change—described in staff materials as eliminating pedestrian access to enable single‑phase construction—was moved and seconded and approved by voice vote. Council instructed staff to negotiate the amendment with PennDOT, Amtrak/SEPTA and the contractor and to return with details on contract terms and outreach to affected residents.