Fetters Mill Bridge to be Revamped by the County

After numerous discussions with Lower Moreland, Bryn Athyn and Montgomery County representatives, the Fetters Mill Bridge will enter the beginning stages of its redesign phase.

Initially there was some debate whether or not to build a new structure or to revamp the already standing bridge. Since the bridge is part of the National Register of Historic Places, keeping as much of its original structure was a key part in the decision process.

“We don’t want to tear it down because of the historical integrity of the area,” LM township manager Rich Mellor said.

There have been ongoing talks between LM, Bryn Athyn and local residents about how to revamp the bridge. On their end, it was determined that restoring the historical piece of the neighborhood (Fetters Mill Village Historic District) was the best way to go. After listening, the county complied to rehabilitate the existing bridge instead of building a brand new one.

Based on those previous conversations between residents and township officials, a letter was written to the county outlining all of their needs for the new construction, one of which was to increase the weight limit from three to 15 tons.

Montgomery County and the Federal Highway Administration are ultimately responsible for the design process, which can take up to two years, according to the township. The earliest target date for the reconstruction is 2014.

There wasn't anything specific on what the new design would be, but township officials stated they hoped to keep the recognizable grated iron deck. Overall, the bridge will be stronger - possibly two lanes - so it can hopefully support trucks, buses and emergency vehicles. It could also include a pedestrian cross way.

Currently its dimensions are 82 feet long, 15.1 feet wide and operates as a one-lane bridge.

Montgomery County is financially responsible for the project and it won't cost Lower Moreland or Bryn Athyn municipalities anything.

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The Fetters Mill Bridge was built in 1883 and last rehabilitated in 1977. According to Bridge Hunter, the Superstructure condition and the Substructure condition each received a ‘poor’ rating. The Appraisal was listed as ‘Structurally deficient’ as of 2008. Montgomery County’s Department of Roads and Bridges have also classified it as “having outlived its useful life.”