Bishop Bridge, also known as the Bishop Road Bridge, is a historic 1898 steel truss bridge carrying Bishop Road (TR-612) over the Yellow Breeches Creek at the Cumberland County / York County line. It is a notable example of a pin-connected Pratt through truss built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company of Canton, Ohio.
Today, the bridge is at the center of a public discussion about safety, cost, historic preservation, access, and long-term responsibility
Bishop Bridge is more than a structure—it’s where several priorities overlap:
Public safety & infrastructure: The bridge is currently closed and has been described in news coverage as deteriorated and out of service.
Historic value: Documentation sources identify it as a well-preserved example of its truss type and builder, with distinctive late-1800s design features. More information
Taxpayer impact: Options can carry very different price tags depending on whether the outcome is demolition, stabilization, relocation, or rehabilitation.
Ownership & responsibility: Decisions hinge on who owns the bridge and who is responsible for permits, maintenance, and liability going forward. More information
While details can change meeting-to-meeting, the discussion generally falls into two paths:
1) Demolition / removal
Counties have moved through a formal process toward removal, including bid discussions covered by local news.
2) Preservation / rehabilitation (or alternative solutions)
Others have argued for restoration or another preservation-minded approach, pointing to the bridge’s historic character and potential reuse.
On December 10, 2025, Cumberland County announced that demolition would not occur as planned after being notified that the DEP permit was issued in error and was no longer valid because the bridge was listed on the Pennsylvania Historic Inventory. The County stated that moving forward would require a new permit and consultation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to evaluate alternatives.
Upper Allen Township publicly posted notice of a Public Forum regarding Bishop Bridge scheduled for Monday, January 12, 2026.