Speed Study Asked for Pineville Road

Buckingham officials will ask the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to perform a speed study on Pineville Road as plans for the $1.2 million bridge replacement move forward.

A PennDOT representative and two associates with Jacobs, an engineering firm, updated supervisors and a group of residents on the project at last week’s township meeting.

The current bridge, on Pineville Road between New Hope And Stony Hill roads, has been closed since 2007 due to it being in disrepair.

First-responders want to have the bridge back as soon as possible, citing public safety concerns on delays because of road detours.

Dave Phelan, Jacobs’ project manager, told the audience that construction is expected to start in the spring, with a fall completion date.

The footprint will remain virtually the same as the current design. Technically two lanes, the bridge will remain 20 feet wide.

Speed along the roadway, as well as weight restrictions, were some concerns brought up by residents.

Both PennDOT and the township share responsibilities along Pineville Road. Some sections are marked 45 mph while some are 35 mph.

The original topography near the bridge featured a “kink” in the road, and residents feared that the new, more streamlined design will cause drivers to speed up.

PennDOT representative Steven Fellin said a speed study couldn’t be conducted until the new bridge reopens, but township officials can make the request now to get things started.

Also at issue are culverts upstream from the bridge, particularly between New and New Hope roads. Heavy truck traffic from a nearby quarry has caused them to deteriorate as well and residents questioned whether any weight restrictions are placed on them. Requests were made for an engineering study on them as well.

“If you have cement trucks going over them, it could take them out. You need to make sure the culvert stays solid,” said one man.

While PennDOT is overseeing the design and construction, once completed, the bridge and about 500 feet of approach split on either side would be turned back to township ownership.

Supervisor Chairman Jon Forest thanked the three for providing the information.

“We look forward to this project being completed,” he said.