Rausch Creek bridge deteriorating!!

[shelterbuilder]

Hikers in the vicinity of the Rausch Gap shelter in Pa. should be aware that the old stone arch bridge over Rausch Creek (near the acid minewater treatment empoundment) has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer considered safe by the Pa. Game Commission. The PGC will be closing it to ALL traffic (foot, horse, bike, and vehicular) soon, if they have not already done so.

Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club had a team in the field on Saturday, scouting for an alternate route around the bridge, but nothing has been decided yet. Since this section of the trail is on State Game Lands, the changes must be approved by the Game Commision as well as BMECC and ATC. All hikers in this area should be aware of this problem, and should watch for signs and temporary trail re-locations in this area. I will try to keep this communtiy advised about this situation as it changes.

[emerald]

Until the bridge is replaced and/or or the AT temporarily or permanently relocated, what's BMECC advising hikers to do in the event the bridge is closed?

I suspect I'm not the only person who will find your post prompts more questions than it provides answers. Can Rausch Creek be forded or rock-hopped?

[Toolshed]

Thanks for the heads up. I was going to head out there Saturday but ended up on the Pinchot Trail instead.

[shelterbuilder]

Until the bridge is replaced and/or or the AT temporarily or permanently relocated, what's BMECC advising hikers to do in the event the bridge is closed?

I suspect I'm not the only person who will find your post prompts more questions than it provides answers. Can Rausch Creek be forded or rock-hopped?

Since I don't have the answers to this yet, I'll leave my original post stand as is. For now, it's FYI only.

Since the bridge is on one of Pa.'s rail-trails, and is used by disabled hunters with vehicle permits as well as PGC officials in the performance of their duties, my GUESS is that, at some point, the bridge MIGHT be replaced. But bridge-building is a high-priced undertaking - it might be a long time. And as for rock-hopping, the dangers are inherent - especially at this time of year, with Spring run-off levels increasing the volume and the speed of the water in the creek.

I just want folks to know that there is a problem, and that it is being addressed, but the solutions - both temporary and ultimate - may be some time down the road. If you visit the area, be prepared for a problem, and follow whatever signs are posted.

[fiddlehead]

Can't you ford the river upstream a bit? I seem to remember this as being a pretty small stream although perhaps a bit deep right where the bridge is.

Does the AT really need a bridge at every crossing? Look around for a ford, there must be one around somewhere.

[squeeze]

Stone Arch Bridge

[fiddlehead]

Oh, pretty scary ford! Better close the trail. That bridge could fall down if a few hikers cross at the same time.

[Lone Wolf]

Hikers in the vicinity of the Rausch Gap shelter in Pa. should be aware that the old stone arch bridge over Rausch Creek (near the acid minewater treatment empoundment) has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer considered safe by the Pa. Game Commission. The PGC will be closing it to ALL traffic (foot, horse, bike, and vehicular) soon, if they have not already done so.

Blue Mountain Eagle Climbing Club had a team in the field on Saturday, scouting for an alternate route around the bridge, but nothing has been decided yet. Since this section of the trail is on State Game Lands, the changes must be approved by the Game Commision as well as BMECC and ATC. All hikers in this area should be aware of this problem, and should watch for signs and temporary trail re-locations in this area. I will try to keep this communtiy advised about this situation as it changes.

oh hell! gonna need the ferryman on this one!

[thestin]

But I've heard if you cross early in the morning you'll be OK!

[Lone Wolf]

But I've heard if you cross early in the morning you'll be OK!

it's calf deep year round

[swellbill]

Downstream where the old foundations, wells & privys are you should be able to cross without wetting a foot. Upstream...well maybe stay above the lime injection sluiceway thingy. You'll eventually dry out

[Lone Wolf]

Downstream where the old foundations, wells & privys are you should be able to cross without wetting a foot. Upstream...well maybe stay above the lime injection sluiceway thingy. You'll eventually dry out

or just cross where the bridge is out. christ. ain't but a thing any of y'all hiked maine in may/june? likely not.

[swellbill]

or just cross where the bridge is out. christ. ain't but a thing any of y'all hiked maine in may/june? likely not.

I'm bringin a Leki pole vault stick just in case

[mudhead]

Anyone ever seen that arch full of water?

I wonder if the bridge were vehicle restricted, if it would last.

[shelterbuilder]

Anyone ever seen that arch full of water?

I wonder if the bridge were vehicle restricted, if it would last.

That's the Game Commission's call, not mine! And the water actually is quite deep right under the bridge, although there are other places where you could - gasp - ford the stream!

I wasn't out with the inspection party from the club, so I don't know the actual condition - nor am I an engineer capable of making a structural inspection. Don't shoot the messenger, boys and girls....

Nice photo, squeeze.

[aaroniguana]

I'm an engineer. Looks fine to me. Hike on.

[GGS2]

I'm an engineer. Looks fine to me. Hike on.

I'm an engineer too. Gimme a list of bridges you've approved so I can route around them.

[aaroniguana]

Approved? I'm an engineer for CSX. What would I know about bridges?

[GGS2]

Approved? I'm an engineer for CSX. What would I know about bridges?

Well, that's a relief. I'm an instrumentation specialist. But some of those instruments were really big. Like a couple hundred tonnes of depleted uranium. I don't think the bridge is made of DU, though.

[Lone Wolf]

all you brainiacs know jack about fording