Concerns arise over Pond Eddy bridge construction

By Anya Tikka
POND EDDY — After the construction of the historic Pond Eddy Bridge started this summer, concerns have surfaced regarding the final designs and whether it is possible to complete the construction without stopping the water flow completely and disrupting local tourism, which relies heavily on Delaware River activities
Local environmental group Damascus Citizens have questioned how the bridge will be built without blocking the river flow for at least a while, since they say construction trucks will have to go over the existing, old bridge, that can't take heavy loads — one of the main reasons why the new bridge is being built.
John A. Rautzahn, P.E., of SAI Consulting Engineers, gave a detailed description in technical terms via email of how it can be done. Steve Franchak, Pennsylvania state inspector in charge, also explained it in layman’s terms while standing on the bridge watching the construction take place on Aug. 9.
Rautzahn wrote, “The approved design requires a minimum open channel width of 165 feet to be maintained at all times during construction. This width is the combined opening between the New York and Pennsylvania channels on either side of the existing pier. This will be accomplished by moving rock from the initial causeway under the New York span to the channel under the Pennsylvania span following erection of the New York truss. The concept was developed in coordination with PennDOT, NYSDOT and contractors. Construction vehicles weighing more than the posted weight of the existing bridge are prohibited from using the bridge.”
Franchak clarified, “Once this stage is built (rock pad), the first section of the bridge will be built, a concrete deck will be placed, and then we’ll start moving the rock from below the new bridge, and it will be taken across the top of the new bridge, and (we’ll) put a road in going down on the other side to access the Pennsylvania part of it to get the construction done on the Pennsylvania side. Everything will be built from the new bridge and the Pennsylvania side. Nothing will be built from this bridge at all.”
He continued to explain the design involves moving the rocks from the New York side in stages to the Pennsylvania side, while maintaining the combined water flow at 165 feet at all times. He stated the construction crews will be able to build the temporary ramp from the new half-bridge from the New York side to connect to the Pennsylvania side, and that it will be strong enough to take the construction equipment, without ever using the old bridge.
Rautzahn’s comment about environmental reviews says, “The design received reviews and approvals from the US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Pike County Conservation District, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Delaware River Basin Commission. All required permits for construction have been received, and the contractor is required to comply with all regulations.”
He continues, “Mussels within the causeway zone of direct effect, specifically within areas of high densities of the alewife floater and as defined by the National Park Service, have been salvaged and relocated. The zone identified by the National Park Service recommended salvage of a minimum area of 25 meters from the Pennsylvania shoreline, extending 50 meters above and 75 meters below the upstream side of the existing Pond Eddy Bridge. The US Geological Survey completed the work on June 9-10, resulting in a total of 3434 mussels being salvaged and relocated. The USGS is in the process of compiling the full salvage and relocation report.”
The final plans required an archeologist to be present at the historical canal site, and Rautzahn explained, “All excavation work in New York requires that an archaeologist be present to monitor the work. The Archaeological Monitor has the authority to stop construction when remains of canal remnants, artifacts, features, or human remains of historic or archaeological significance are encountered.”
Damascus Citizens did not return calls and messages by press time.