Blair County Commissioners discuss bridge demolition; creation of trail authority

BLAIR COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) -- The Blair County Commissioners met on Tuesday to discuss various motions and potentially add new projects.

The meeting covered over topics, such as a potential decision on the Jugtown Bridge and the creation of the Blair County Trail and Recreation Authority. Other topics included the Magisterial District Court applying for a $25,000 grant to improve their distress alarm systems.

The meeting started with the consent agenda approving any additions and subtractions from staff and any ratifications left on the table. Other topics had prison changes approved and a permit signed for the Chappel Road Bridge in Juniata Township.

The Jugtown Bridge

The commissioners discussed the Jugtown Bridge in Freedom Township to decide whether to repair or replace the bridge in total. The project would see Bridge 73 replaced with a cul-de-sac heading into Mountain Road.

Costs of the project would have the cul-de-sac solution at $37,000, compared to $170,000 for repairing the bridge. Residents voiced their concerns back in November of 2023 about removing the bridge.