Federal Judge Clears Way for Skinners Falls Bridge Demolition

A federal judge denied a request from Damascus Citizens for Sustainability (DCS) and local residents to halt the demolition of the historic 123-year-old Skinners Falls/Milanville bridge, siding with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), which argued the bridge posed a public safety risk due to its deteriorated condition. The court found expert testimony supporting PennDOT's view that the bridge was at risk of imminent collapse, presenting dangers to life, property, and the environment, especially with increased summer river traffic. Preservation advocates argued that the bridge was restorable and that PennDOT failed to follow proper procedures, including exploring alternatives to demolition and complying with historic preservation laws. Despite these concerns, the judge ruled that delaying demolition would increase risks. Demolition began shortly after the ruling, with local residents expressing grief over the loss and vowing to advocate for an architecturally appropriate replacement that honors the bridge's historic character. The dispute highlights tension between infrastructure safety and historic preservation efforts.