The Newtown Borough Council last month took a step forward in its long-planned pedestrian bridge project, approving both a resolution and an intergovernmental agreement with Newtown Township for the bridge’s design and construction.
The project, which has been under consideration for several years, will lead to a new pedestrian crossing over Newtown Creek. The bridge will connect Frost Lane and Edgeboro Drive on the Borough side to Durham Road near Penn Community Bank on the township side.
Council Solicitor Greg Heleniak outlined the legal requirements for the partnership: “As part of the intergovernmental cooperation act, it requires the council to pass a resolution authorizing the execution of the intergovernmental agreement itself.”
The Council adopted the resolution and subsequently approved the formal agreement, which had been revised after feedback from both Borough and Township officials.
The township voted on the same agreement at its September 24 meeting.
The cooperation will allow the two municipalities to move forward with the project and use nearly $1 million in grant funding that has already been secured.
Members of the public also provided input on the project, including resident Richard First. He asked for clarification about the bridge’s location, leading Councilmember Julia Woldorf to explain that it would be built adjacent to the remnants of the old bridge.
“The original idea a couple years ago was to see if we could build on the old bridge piers, but further investigation determined that was not the best idea. It would be best to put a new bridge next to it,” she said.
Another resident, Eileen Dutton, raised questions about safety, lighting, and maintenance. She inquired whether the bridge would be illuminated around the clock, allow bicycles, and receive regular snow removal.
Borough officials assured her that design plans are not yet final but will include public input.
As for upkeep, responsibility for maintenance, including snow removal, will be negotiated between the borough and township. The cooperative framework established by the new agreement will serve as the basis for dividing those tasks.
The borough solicitor acknowledged delays but said there is progress on the project.
“I think that sets us up to move this forward maybe a little behind when we thought it would be, but still in plenty of time to use the grant monies and further the project,” he said.
