Congressman Meuser Secures $450,000 for Walters Avenue Bridge Replacement in South Heidelberg Township

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, Congressman Dan Meuser (PA-09) issued the below statement after securing $450,000 in federal funding for the replacement of the Walters Avenue Bridge in South Heidelberg Township. The funding was included in FY24 Appropriations legislation recently signed into law.

This bridge, currently rated "poor" by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and weight-restricted to 15 tons, serves as a crucial link between South Heidelberg Township and Wernersville Borough.

The project provides direct benefits to low-income senior housing development and addresses blighted infrastructure that has long been a source of community complaints. Additionally, it tackles safety concerns for the entire township. Currently, the bridge's weight restriction prevents fire trucks from utilizing it, which poses a risk during emergencies. Moreover, when freight trains block intersections, the bridge serves as the closest access point between the fire department and the rest of the township. Further deterioration would also hinder school buses and the 890 vehicles that traverse the bridge daily. This federal Community Project Funding will be critical in replacing Walters Avenue Bridge and ensuring it meets the needs of the community.

Congressman Meuser said, "I'm happy to have been able to advocate for South Heidelberg Township in securing $450,000 for the replacement of the Walters Avenue Bridge. Its deteriorating condition has led to public safety and transportation concerns, which can now be addressed. With these federal funds, South Heidelberg Township will be able replace the Walters Avenue Bridge with a cost-effective, pre-cast concrete box culvert bridge that will benefit the surrounding community."

South Heidelberg Township Manager, Sean A. McKee, said, “The Township is appreciative of the efforts of Congressman Meuser and his staff for support of the Walters Avenue Bridge Replacement Project. The bridge has been a long-standing issue that over time would continue to deteriorate and pose a significant transportation issue within the Township. The cost of this bridge replacement would account for about 14% of the overall revenues collected as part of our budget, and without this grant the Township would either need to further delay the project or potentially raise taxes to fund its completion. The Township appreciates Congressman Meuser for his continued support of our Township and Community. The Township would also like to thank Wernersville Borough Council, the Conrad Weiser School District, Western Berks Ambulance, Western Berks Fire Department, the Berks County Commissioners and Berks County Planning Department for supporting this grant application and providing our citizens with what will be a fully functioning two lane bridge.”

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