Update on Bushkill Bridge repairs on Route 209 in Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area; Section of McDade Trail closed

BUSHKILL, PA – The National Park Service bridge repair project on US Route 209 has necessitated the closure of a section of the McDade Trail between the Bushkill Access and Bushkill Village trailheads to ensure public safety.

The contractor is currently working on the Bushkill bridge approaches and bridge deck, and this work has reduced the available space for passage. The ongoing construction on the bridge is a safety concern for pedestrians and bicyclists. The McDade Trail section between Bushkill Access and Bushkill Village will be closed until all remaining bridge repairs are completed.

“We are in the final stretch of this important infrastructure improvement project and contractors are working hard to complete the remaining work by the end of November,” said Chiara Palazzolo, Project Manager. “Other sections of McDade Trail are open for hiking and biking while this section is closed.”

This work is anticipated to be done by the end of November 2021.

Specific timelines for each of the remaining project components are listed below but are subject to change:

• Work on the Conashaugh Creek Culvert, near mile post 16.5, is mostly completed but some recent erosion due to storm Ida, has precipitated the need for a modification to fix eroded areas. This work is anticipated to be completed by March 2, 2022. The southern entrance to  Zimmermann Road from US Route 209 will continue to be closed, however the north entrance to Zimmermann Road remains open.
• Repairs to the Toms Creek Bridge, near mile post 4.7, are scheduled to be completed by end of November 2021.
• Most of the work at Adams Creek Bridge, near mile post 14.2, is completed but some additional items remain and are anticipated to be completed by end of November 2021.
• Repairs to the Bushkill Creek Bridge, near mile post 1.2, are anticipated to be completed by the end of November 2021.

Motorists can expect minor delays due to heavy equipment maneuvering in the work zone and single- lane closures with construction traffic lights during work on Route 209. We will make every effort to minimize delays while also ensuring the safety of the traveling public and those doing the work.