The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced that the Skinners Falls Bridge, carrying Route 1002 over the Delaware River in Wayne County, will be dismantled before the end of the year.

The decision comes after a recent inspection revealed the bridge’s condition necessitates its removal for public safety, particularly for river traffic.

Appearing on Radio Chatskill, PennDOT Engineering District Executive Rich Roman explained that dismantling the bridge and storing its components for potential future use does not necessarily mean they will be used to rebuild the current structure. The materials could be repurposed for other projects, such as in a park or along a rail-to-trails route.

Roman also mentioned that the option of constructing a new bridge is still being considered. However, the dismantling process is expected to take around five to six months. Afterward, there will be a significant delay before any new project can begin, as the team will need to navigate regulations in two states and secure funding.

A virtual public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM to provide further information. Attendees can join the meeting via Microsoft Teams at https://bit.ly/SkinnersMeeting

Further updates and information about the Skinners Falls Bridge are available on the PennDOT website.

Image Credit: Vincent Kurzrock/The Sullivan County Democrat