A bridge in Lower Towamensing Township is set for bridge replacement.

Michael Rohl, project manager, discussed the Little Gap Road bridge replacement over Hunter Creek as part of a public meeting featuring a public plans display and project.

Rohl told township supervisors last week that the existing structure is a two-span bridge that was built in 1930, and added it will be replaced with a single-span beam bridge.

He said the posted speed limit will remain the same, but that the detour route will be 11.3 miles.

Rohl said the project could let in the spring of 2027, with potential completion in the winter of 2027, though it could go into 2028.

The project is located on State Route 2002 (Little Gap Road). The bridge replacement is located about 150 feet southwest of the intersection with State Route 2004 (Hahn’s Dairy Road) and T-376 (Covered Bridge Road).

The purpose of the project is to replace the structure which carries State Route 2002 over Hunter Creek.

About 95 feet of approach roadway will be reconstructed on the west side of the structure, and about 95 feet of approach roadway will be reconstructed on the east side of the structure.

Carbon County Commissioner Rocky Ahner, who was in attendance, discussed the covered bridge.

“We don’t have any intent on closing the Covered Bridge,” said Ahner, who noted if someone goes through the Covered Bridge and hits it, it will be closed. “Our intent is not to close the Covered Bridge unless something would happen.”

Ahner noted that the same person hit the Covered Bridge three times in a row, and added the issue is not the weight limit, but the height restriction.

“If we close it, this will be devastating to the community,” he said. “We do not want to close the bridge.”

Pavement reconstruction will extend around the radius at the intersection of State Route 2002 and State Route 2004 to eliminate a sump and improve stormwater runoff to the existing inlet. The existing profile will have minimal changes.

The existing structure will be replaced with a single span prestressed spread box beam structure.

Work is estimated to occur during the 2028 construction season, according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania website.

A detour will be required during construction to remove the existing structure and install the proposed structure.

The acquisition of temporary construction easements is anticipated to complete the work; however, all schedules are subject to change.