YEAGERTOWN — Derry Township received plans Monday for the replacement of the Kishacoquillas Creek bridge along Kish Pike near the Allensville Planing Mill. The replacement project tentatively is scheduled for this summer.
The project, to be conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, calls for the construction of a new bridge at the existing bridge site that will be slightly higher than the current structure. Township supervisors said they hope the new bridge will help to alleviate flooding which has occurred in the area during high water events.
Flooding in the area has been a problem in the past because of the possibility of debris or other materials being caught under the current bridge and acting as a dam, officials said.
The supervisors said they had received notice that PennDOT is planning to begin the project this summer, although a formal start date was not announced.
“I’m pleased this is going (forward) this year,” said John McCullough, Derry Township supervisor.
The bridge had been repaired a few years ago due to damage in a flood. McCullough said the project will positively impact the Derry Township Community Park by reducing the threat of floods in the area.
“(This project) should take a lot of the flood pressure off Kish Creek,” he said.
In other business:
¯Supervisors received a land development plan for the Derry Heights development, located behind the Quality Inn. However, supervisors said the plans they received were more “sketch plans” than actual final design plans and would have to be resubmitted.
“It’s in no way, shape or form in accord (with a final plan),” said Jeff Snook, township solicitor.
The plans call for the construction of a restaurant at the site, as well as residential housing.
¯Supervisors unanimously approved a bid for the paving of the parking area adjacent to the Stone Arch Bridge. The township will split the costs of the $5,000 project with Mifflin County. The project was awarded to Mike Cleck Paving.
¯The supervisors approved a conditional-use request from the Mifflin County School District regarding the new Indian Valley High School. The request regards the new building exceeding the height limitations of the township’s zoning ordinance, as well as setback requirements.
