The Randall Avenue/Edgely Bridge in Bristol Township is set to reopen on Wednesday, January 14, after being closed for nearly two years. The reopening follows federal coordination led by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) and final safety approval from PennDOT’s bridge inspectors and the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Fitzpatrick acted as the main point of contact between Bristol Township and Amtrak, helping facilitate repairs over the active rail corridor.
“The moment it became clear the bridge had to close, the work began. Together with Bristol Township, Amtrak, and our federal partners, we focused on what was required to restore safety—carefully and responsibly. This bridge connects a community, but the responsibility to protect people always comes first—a principle that guided every step forward,” said Fitzpatrick.
Bristol Township Manager Randee Mazur addressed the impact of the closure: “We recognize the significant inconvenience this extended closure has caused residents, businesses, and emergency responders. The reopening of the Randall Avenue Bridge restores an important local connection and reflects the Township’s continued commitment to public safety and infrastructure investment,” Mazur said. “And we are grateful to Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick for his continued support, partnership, and his coordination efforts with AMTRAK representatives to address project requirements, scheduling considerations, and operational needs associated with the bridge’s proximity to the rail corridor.”
The bridge was closed in early 2023 after inspections found serious structural issues such as falling concrete over Amtrak and SEPTA rail lines below. Repairs required cooperation at several levels because of its location over an interstate rail corridor.
As part of these efforts, Fitzpatrick hosted Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner in Bucks County in January 2024 to review conditions at the site.
“Reopening is an important milestone,” said Fitzpatrick. “But we must—and will—continue working together to ensure the infrastructure serving this community is reliable and built to last.”
Fitzpatrick continues long-term efforts with local leaders and officials in Washington D.C., seeking Community Project Funding through Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations for construction of a new bridge and extension of Haines Road over North Radcliff Street. Since 2021, he has secured nearly $53.1 million for Pennsylvania’s 1st District for projects aimed at improving safety and regional connectivity.
Fitzpatrick played a key bipartisan role in passing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act during the 117th Congress. This law changed how federal agencies address aging infrastructure nationwide.
Pennsylvania now receives a minimum of $17.8 billion from this act for transportation improvements across roads, bridges, transit systems, and rail safety projects statewide. Bucks County has benefited directly from these investments as part of broader regional development initiatives.
Brian Fitzpatrick currently represents Pennsylvania’s 1st district in Congress since replacing Mike Fitzpatrick in 2017 (https://fitzpatrick.house.gov/about). He was born in Philadelphia in 1973 and lives in Levittown (https://www.inquirer.com/politics/election/brian-fitzpatrick-pennsylvania-congress-house-district-1-election-results-bucks-county-20221025.html). Fitzpatrick graduated from La Salle University with a BS degree before earning his JD from Pennsylvania State University (https://ballotpedia.org/Brian_Fitzpatrick_(Pennsylvania)).
