WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced its plans to remove a Wayne County bridge.
PennDOT says the removal of the Skinners Falls Bridge is set to begin Thursday morning, starting on the New York side of the bridge.
According to PennDOT, the decision to remove the bridge comes after inspections found "critical structural failures."
In October of 2024, an inspection found the bridge superstructure in critical condition and that the superstructure had failed.
The following inspection in January of this year confirmed active movement in the New York abutment and upstream truss bearing areas, PennDOT explained.
PennDOT says the demolition is necessary to prevent an uncontrolled collapse and ensure public safety.
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The parking lot and fishing access area will be unreachable for the public to use during construction, PennDOT added.
PennDOT says the use of the river in the vicinity of the bridge will also be restricted during construction.
Recreational users of the River are advised by PennDOT to exit the river upstream at Damascus and re-enter downstream at Narrowsburg.
The precautions, listed below, put in place on April 7 will continue:
Delaware River closure signage and exclusion buoys will be placed at the Cochecton-Damascus Bridge.
Official signed portage will direct river users to the Narrowsburg Boat Launch.
No portage in the vicinity of the bridge will be allowed due to ongoing construction activities.
This stage of the Aids to Navigation (ATON) will be in place for approximately two months.
PennDOT urges drivers to travel the posted speed limit, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, turn on their headlights, and avoid all distractions.
In high-traffic locations, PennDOT encourages drivers to use both travel lanes to the merge point and take turns merging into the open lane.
You can stay up to date on speed limit restrictions, road conditions, and closures on 511PA.com.
