The Newtown Township Board of Supervisors approved a resolution Wednesday authorizing an intergovernmental agreement with Newtown Borough to move forward with the nearly $1 million grant-funded Newtown Creek pedestrian bridge project.
The agreement, which the Newtown Borough Council approved last month, establishes that the township will control the grant money and steer the project with borough approval.
The project will construct a new pedestrian bridge over the 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.
Any costs not covered by the grant will be split between the two municipalities, officials said.
The new bridge is key to the area’s trail system, according to Mike Sellers of the Newtown Creek Coalition.
“When you look at the map, this particular link is the one that’s been missing,” Sellers said. “By building this bridge, you create that final link.”
Sellers called the project “the missing puzzle piece for the Newtown trail system,” noting the bridge will create connectivity for trails in the area.
Supervisor Chairperson Elen Snyder said the bridge will improve safety and convenience for those on foot and will provide safe crossing access to shopping areas, including Goodnoe Corner and State Street businesses.
The agreement addresses potential complications that could arise during construction.
HAL Engineering will perform all construction inspections as part of their contract with the township.
All change orders must be reviewed and approved by both the township and the borough.
Change orders raised concerns from one supervisor about potential delays. He noted the historically strained relationship between the municipalities.
“A change order can basically hold up the project,” Supervisor Phillip Calabro said, citing potential problems that could arise.
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Solicitor David Sander said change orders are likely to happen during the project.
The agreement includes provisions for dispute resolution if disagreements arise between the municipalities during construction.
Newtown Borough Council approved the agreement last month.
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