Cooksburg area residents, business owners and politicians met with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) representatives to discuss the replacement of a vital bridge on River Road over Toms Run.

The assembly of around 50 concerned citizens reached a tentative agreement with constructors. The bridge will close from March 1, 2011, to May 15.

Travelers will be detoured more than 15 miles, along Route 899.

River Road joins Route 36 at the Cooksburg Bridge and crosses Toms Run 300 yards upriver.

The closure will effectively cut the park in half.The current bridge is supported by steel beams and has a weight limit of 17 tons.

The new concrete bridge will be 60 feet long and have no weight limit.

Concerns of area businesses and citizens range from the impact on the local tourism economy to the potential for delayed emergency response.

“Local businesses and concerned citizens got involved in the debate,” said Marcia Gordon, Department of Conservation of Natural Resources (DCNR) park
operations manager for Cook Forest and Clear Creek State Parks.

DCNR manages and protects parks throughout the state.

“We’re all aware that the bridge must be replaced,” said Gordon, “and we understand there will be an impact.”

Gordon applauded the efforts of the attendees.

“The local business owners helped to negotiate the dates. Everyone would like to see the impact at a minimum,” said Gordon.

Residents raised concerns of delayed emergency response through the duration of the construction.

“Local fire departments know the roads well,” said Gordon.

Life Flight helicopters can land by River Road in several places upriver from the bridge.

“With the posted detours,” said Gordon, “there should be little delay in response to an emergency.”

Residents will have another opportunity to voice their concerns and become informed.

“After another public meeting, newer dates may be arranged,” said Gordon.

According to Gordon, PennDOT has pledged to repair any township roads used in the detour.

“We discussed several timelines,” said state Rep. Donna Oberlander (R-63).

“Inevitably, the construction will take place during a profitable time for the area,” said Oberlander, “but both sides are accommodating to the best of their ability and financial constraint.”

“Many businesses in our district will be affected,” said Oberlander.

The bridge is in Forest County, less than 200 yards east of the Clarion County border. The bridge is just outside Oberlander’s district.

“Not everyone is satisfied with the idea of a detour,” said Oberlander.