New Bridge

A new bridge for Rausch Gap on the Appalachian Trail.

A temporary steel bridge 50 feet long and weighing 37,000 pounds was set in place across Rausch Creek in northern Lebanon County this morning to easy the way across the creek for cyclists on the Stony Valley Rail grade and hikers on the Appalachian Trail.

The old bridge, built in 1854 to carry trains across the creek, was closed late in March by the Pennsylvania Game Commission when its stone foundation was found to be badly eroded. The new bridge, supported by six-inch platforms on both sides, was placed directly above the old one.

A little late for the early hikers but not bad timing. It is the hight of thru-hiker season.

Update: Another article with more detail.

This is kind of a miracle in terms of how quickly this project got moved,” he said. “The bridge was closed in March, ... and here we are June 26. In terms of government, this is light-speed.”