Federal Judge Clears Way for Demolition of Historic Skinners Falls Bridge

A federal judge has cleared the path for the demolition of the Skinners Falls Bridge, rejecting a legal effort by Damascus Citizens for Sustainability (DCS) who sought to spare the 122-year-old structure from destruction.

In a ruling issued Tuesday, Judge Karoline Mehalchick of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania sided with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), citing the bridge’s deteriorating condition as a significant public safety threat.

The historic Baltimore truss bridge, opened in 1902, spans the Delaware River, linking the rural communities of Milanville, PA, and Skinners Falls, NY. It has long served as both a functional crossing and a beloved local landmark — described by Barbara Arrindell, director of DCS, as “poetry in steel.” We spoke to Arrindell about her reaction to the decision.

PennDOT has concluded that the bridge, closed to vehicular traffic since 2019, is beyond repair. Citing structural instability and a risk to boaters and others navigating beneath it, the agency plans to demolish the bridge using explosives.

DCS argued in court that the government had failed in its duty to maintain the bridge and that it had neglected viable alternatives for rehabilitation. Their lawsuit claimed that federal and state agencies ignored environmental and cultural protections, and that demolition would not only erase a piece of history but also damage the river ecosystem and tourism industry.

Judge Mehalchick initially granted a temporary restraining order on April 9 to halt the demolition, allowing time for a full hearing held on April 11. But in her written decision this week, she concluded that the risks of keeping the bridge in place outweighed the plaintiffs’ concerns.

“Expert testimony supports that the bridge’s seemingly inevitable collapse would endanger life, property, and the environment,” Mehalchick wrote. “Delaying the bridge’s demolition exacerbates these issues, especially considering the busy summer season which will soon bring many visitors to the Delaware River area.”

The judge also noted that PennDOT and its federal partners had invested considerable resources into evaluating the structure and planning the safest course of action.

PennDOT officials say dismantling of the bridge will begin on April 17.

UPDATE: PennDOT demolished the New York span of the historic Skinners Falls Bridge on April 17. Officials said they do not have a timeline to remove the Pennsylvania side of the bridge. According to an April 17 PennDOT press release, road detours to cross the Delaware River will continue to be on the road for around two months.

Access to nearby Delaware River boat launches will be limited. The closest available boat launch is the PA Fish and Boat Launch Narrowsburg River Access at Beach Lake, PA.

PennDOT will hold a meeting on April 30 to “focus on potential mitigation measures to offset the…Adverse Effect on historic properties, due to the demolition of the Skinners Falls Bridge.” More information here.

Image: Preparations are underway ahead of the planned demolition of the Skinners Falls Bridge, linking Sullivan County, NY, and Wayne County, PA. (Credit: Damascus Citizens for Sustainability)