Irwin Leaders Propose Solutions for Closed Colony Drive Bridge

Temporary bridge, grant funding among options to restore critical townhome access

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Colony Drive Bridge in Irwin, Pennsylvania has been closed for two months after a major hole was discovered in the middle of the structure. Borough leaders are exploring both short-term and long-term solutions, including installing a temporary bridge or pursuing federal grant funding to fully repair the bridge, which could cost around $600,000. The closure has created challenges for the over 220 townhome residents who rely on the bridge to access Route 30, adding several minutes to their commutes.

Why it matters

The Colony Drive Bridge is a vital connection for the large Walnut Ridge Townhomes community to the main roads, and its closure has significantly impacted residents' daily routines. Irwin borough is working to find the best solution to restore access as quickly as possible, while also ensuring a long-term fix that addresses the structural issues.

The details

Crews initially placed a steel plate over the hole in the bridge, but engineers determined the walls are stable while the decking and steel beams need to be replaced. The borough is considering two main options - a long-term repair project estimated at $600,000, or installing a temporary bridge, though the costs for that are still unclear. To help fund the repairs, the borough is applying for federal grant money through the office of state Rep. Summer Lee, and the townhome property owner has offered to contribute $24,000 towards a temporary bridge.

  • The bridge was closed in early January 2026 after the hole was discovered.
  • Borough leaders expect to get updated cost estimates from engineers at their March 11, 2026 meeting.

The players

Shari Martino

Irwin Borough Manager

Shawn Stitely

Irwin Councilmember and Deputy Fire Chief

Richard Lapsoey

Resident of the Walnut Ridge Townhomes

Summer Lee

Pennsylvania State Representative

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What they’re saying

“It's easier if we could just go straight down, but you know we've got to go all the way around.”

— Richard Lapsoey, Walnut Ridge Townhomes Resident (KDKA)

“We're doing everything we can to fix the issue.”

— Shari Martino, Irwin Borough Manager (CBS News)

“It's very kind of him to do that. He doesn't have to do that.”

— Shari Martino, Irwin Borough Manager (KDKA)

What’s next

Borough leaders expect to get updated cost estimates from engineers at their March 11, 2026 meeting, which will help them determine the best path forward for repairing or replacing the Colony Drive Bridge.

The takeaway

The closure of the Colony Drive Bridge in Irwin has created significant disruptions for the over 220 townhome residents who rely on it for access to the main roads. While the borough is exploring both temporary and long-term solutions, the process could take years and requires securing funding, underscoring the importance of proactive infrastructure maintenance to avoid such prolonged community impacts.