The process towards replacing the Maple Street Road Bridge is almost coming to a close with the possibility of Bristol Borough voting to approve a contractors bid next month.

Amanda Fuller engineer with Gilmore and Associates in an update to Council said last night the bidding process was opened in May and there are several contractor companies that have made proposals.

Fuller said the search is ongoing to secure additional funding for the project but as of today, there are enough funds through secured county and state funding for work to begin.

Fuller said there is still the possibility for Bristol to secure federal funding for the replacement bridge project.

Council in February voted to approve applying for disaster relief grant under the FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Program. The program is a sustainable action that reduces or eliminates long-term risk to people and property from future disasters.

The bridge which was constructed over Otter Creek in 1915, and is now closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic, although locals still use it, connects the borough and the Maple Beach section of Bristol Township.

If replaced, a bridge could allow easier access to the borough water treatment plant and public works buildings, plus potentially easing traffic flow on Old Rt 13, which experiences heavy traffic flow during rush hours and for major borough related events. Council approved an ordinance at Monday night’s meeting to prohibit parking on either side of Old Rt 13, and Mill Street to Otter Creek as another way of easing traffic flow targeting the heavy flow of traffic into Bristol for major events/

The Borough received a grant for slightly less $344 K from Bucks County in 2017 to improve access to the bridge area for pedestrians.

Borough officials also noted The Bucks County Water & Sewer Authority committed to providing funds for the project but specifics were not discussed.

Fuller said there is a little more work to be done, but is hoping Council will be able to have a motion to vote for the replacement bridge project come August.