Lycoming County officials recently celebrated their receipt of the Roden Bridge Safety Improvement Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing their innovative bridge bundling program. The award was accepted by county representatives at a meeting of the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP), where they highlighted the significance of their efforts in improving local infrastructure.

The bridge bundling program, initiated over a decade ago, has allowed the county to address the condition of small bridges, many of which were previously rated poorly. Since the program's inception, the county has managed to rehabilitate 19 bridges, with 17 completed under their oversight and two additional projects facilitated by PennDOT. Currently, Lycoming County has 113 small bridges in its inventory, with ongoing inspections revealing that a significant portion were in dire need of repair.

County officials noted that the program's success stems from a collaborative approach, which includes contributions from local contractors and engineers. The financial model, which involves a modest increase in registration fees, has made it feasible for municipalities to participate without bearing the full cost of bridge repairs, which can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Chris Metka from PennDOT commended the county's proactive stance, stating that their model is being recognized and emulated by other counties facing similar challenges with their bridge inventories. The county's commitment to maintaining and improving its bridges is seen as a critical step in ensuring public safety, especially in light of recent bridge collapses in other states.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed their determination to continue seeking innovative solutions for bridge maintenance and improvement, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure in supporting local communities and commerce. The county's achievements in this area not only enhance safety but also serve as a model for effective governance and resource management in infrastructure projects.