Bishop Bridge has remained an active issue in Upper Allen Township for several years, with discussion focused on ownership, preservation, cost, engineering feasibility, and long-term public benefit. Even after an earlier 3-2 Board vote, the matter continued to return through public discussion, Township review, and additional consideration of possible next steps.

That continued attention was evident at the January 12, 2026 Special Meeting: Bishop Road Bridge, which was devoted entirely to the topic. The official minutes show that the meeting included opening remarks from President Eric Fairchild, comments from the Board of Commissioners, presentations from invited external guests, and a public comment period. The invited speakers included representatives from Cumberland County Planning, C.S. Davidson, PennDOT, the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office, Wrought Iron Bridge Works, the Upper Allen Township HARB, and the West Shore Historical Society. 

The minutes reflect that different viewpoints were presented during the forum. Supporters of preservation emphasized the bridge’s historic significance, potential eligibility for preservation funding, and its place in the Township’s heritage. Other speakers raised concerns about cost, project uncertainty, engineering requirements, PennDOT approval, ongoing maintenance, and whether rehabilitation would provide sufficient transportation or public benefit. Cumberland County’s presentation stated that the bridge had been identified as low-volume and costly to rehabilitate, and that no vehicular transportation need had been established from the County’s perspective.

Public comment also showed a range of opinions. Some residents supported preserving the bridge in its current location or through another preservation option. Others questioned whether Township ownership would be fiscally responsible and suggested alternatives such as storage, relocation, documentation, or park display. The meeting record shows that the issue remained unresolved and that residents continued to express differing views on how, or whether, the Township should move forward.

Bishop Bridge was not left in the past. It returned through continued public discussion, formal Township action, and the January 12, 2026 public forum—showing that the issue remained active and unresolved.

Residents who wish to share their thoughts on Bishop Bridge, whether in support of or opposed to Upper Allen Township taking ownership, have two ways to share their concerns. You can fill out the community poll, or you can send an email to the Cumberland County Commissioners using the email addresses listed below. Please include your mailing address in your email so Upper Allen Township taxpayers can be properly identified.

It is important to note that Upper Allen Township does not currently own Bishop Bridge. 

At this time, the bridge remains under the authority of the Cumberland County Commissioners. Any future decision involving ownership or next steps would require Cumberland County’s involvement.

If you would like to participate in the community poll, please scroll down and fill out your information.

Kelly Neiderer, Chairman — kkneiderer@cumberlandcountypa.gov 

Jean Foschi, Vice Chairman — jmfoschi@cumberlandcountypa.gov 

Gary Eichelberger, Secretary — gleichelberger@cumberlandcountypa.gov 

General Board of Commissioners office email — commissioners@cumberlandcountypa.gov

• Julie Wheeler, President Commissioner - JLWheeler@YorkCountyPA.gov
  
  

• Scott Burford, Vice President Commissioner - sburford@yorkcountypa.gov
  
  

• Doug Hoke, Commissioner - DHoke@YorkCountyPA.gov
  
  

Eric Y. Fairchild — efairchild@uatwp.org

Karen Overly Smith — ksmith@uatwp.org

Jennifer A. Clarke — jclarke@uatwp.org

Kenneth M. Martin — kmartin@uatwp.org

Phil J. Walsh — pwalsh@uatwp.org