Upper Allen Township’s upcoming leadership plans to save the 1898 Bishop Bridge from demolition, just days before Cumberland County is scheduled to approve a demolition contract.

Commissioners Eric Fairchild and Phil Walsh said they, along with Commissioner-elect Karen Overly Smith, plan to vote at the Upper Allen Township board’s first meeting of 2026 on Jan. 5, to take ownership of the historic bridge from Cumberland and York counties, according to a press release issued Tuesday.

The move comes after the recent election created a new Upper Allen Township board with a majority interested in taking ownership of Bishop Bridge.

The commissioners say they intend to rehabilitate the bridge for limited vehicle use and partner with Messiah University to create public access to an emergency

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