Randall Avenue Bridge Reopening On Wednesday

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA — After being closed for three years for structural damage, the Randall Avenue Bridge is expected to reopen on Wednesday.

The reopening of the Randall Avenue/Edgely Bridge comes after a final safety clearance from PennDOT’s bridge inspectors and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. It restores a critical local connection after several years of being closed, officials said.

The township-owned bridge was closed in early 2023 after inspections identified serious structural deterioration, including falling concrete and debris over the active Amtrak and SEPTA rail lines below, as well as significant damage to key structural components.

Because the bridge spans an interstate rail corridor, progress required federal-level coordination to align local ownership, rail access, and safety requirements.

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick served as a liaison between the township and Amtrak, helping ensure the access and coordination necessary for repairs over an active rail corridor to proceed safely and responsibly.

“The moment it became clear the bridge had to close, the work began. Together with Bristol Township, Amtrak, and our federal partners, we focused on what was required to restore safety —carefully and responsibly. This bridge connects a community, but the responsibility to protect people always comes first — a principle that guided every step forward,” Fitzpatrick said.

Bristol Township Manager Randee Mazur said officials recognize the "significant inconvenience" the extended bridge closure caused residents, businesses, and emergency responders.

"The reopening of the Randall Avenue Bridge restores an important local connection, and reflects the township’s continued commitment to public safety and infrastructure investment,” Mazur said.

As part of that effort, Fitzpatrick hosted Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner in Bucks County in January 2024 to review safety conditions at the bridge and maintain close coordination as repairs moved forward.

Fitzpatrick is continuing to work long-term with township leaders and Washington, D.C., to advance a permanent infrastructure solution.

Through the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process, Fitzpatrick is pursuing Community Project Funding to support the construction of a new bridge and extension of Haines Road over the existing railway corridor and North Radcliff Street.

“Reopening is an important milestone,” Fitzpatrick said. “But we must — and will — continue working together to ensure the infrastructure serving this community is reliable and built to last.”