FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2010
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Rafferty Secures Funding to Study Second Bridge in Collegeville

Harrisburg – State Senator John Rafferty, R-44, announced Tuesday that he received approval from PennDOT to do a feasibility evaluation for a second Collegeville bridge crossing of the Perkiomen Creek.

The existing Perkiomen Creek Bridge is one of the oldest stone arch bridges in the country, built in 1799 and last rehabilitated over 25 years ago. The bridge is limited to three lanes and is a congestion point with Ridge Pike, Germantown Pike,  Route 29 (Second Street) and Main Street converging at the creek.

Sen. Rafferty and Rep. Mike Vereb, R-150, were instrumental in obtaining funding for the recently completed improvements to the Route 29 and Main Street intersection on the east side of the creek.  However, thousands of vehicles cross the bridge daily, which was not designed to handle such loads and daily use.

Sen. Rafferty was recently appointed the Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee and believes that additional state and federal dollars must be directed to this area to address the fast population growth and traffic congestion.

"This bridge and intersections on both sides of the river are a vital social and economic link in our area," Rafferty said. "If something would happen to this bridge, it would be devastating to businesses and daily users in the area."

The funding for the study will come from PennDOT and is part of a contract service PennDOT has with engineering and environmental firms in this area.

CONTACT: Mark Meyer (717) 787-1398