Bridgeless Narberth Looks to Past, Future

Narberth's government's biggest decision of the year, and perhaps several years, is how to deal with the closure of its decaying main bridge, the Narberth Avenue span that connects the borough's north and south.

Engineers are studying whether the bridge would support enough weight to warrant reopening, even if repaired—with the estimated cost of $300,000 and six to eight weeks of construction.

In anticipation of an answer by Monday, the Borough Council has scheduled a special meeting for 7:30 p.m. Monday, or the same time Oct. 17, next Wednesday, if a delay is needed. At that time, the council may decide whether to pursue the repairs or keep the bridge closed until demolition and replacement, scheduled to begin in early 2014.

Officials, residents and business owners have been divided on the issue, with some criticizing the repairs as too costly for a temporary fix and others insisting a longer bridge closure will cripple downtown merchants.

Before the moment of reckoning on the bridge issue, the Narberth Civic Association meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. The top item on the agenda: a presentation from National Park Service historian Dennis Montagna about how the borough's downtown grew and changed.

The borough is in the process of changing its zoning rules.

The NCA presentation is free to members and $5 for visitors.