How many bridges do you cross in an average day?

The answer is probably difficult to answer. Some bridges -- such as the Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Barry King Bridge -- cannot be overlooked.

But what about the bridges that cross small creeks or carry motorists over other roads? Those go largely unnoticed.

A bridge carrying Freeburg Road over an unnamed stream in the village of Kreamer fell into the category of inconspicuous spans.

That is, until a portion of the bridge fell to pieces as flood water rushed underneath it. Officials estimate repairs could cost $350,000.

The rapid flow of water may be to blame, but the episode raises questions about maintenance practices. Bridges do not fail without cause. Inadequate maintenance funding has been partly to blame for some of the region's bridge woes.

Montour County officials say five bridges were closed in Derry Township because there is no money to repair them. Montour County commissioner Jack Gerst said the county's bridge repair funding has not increased since the 1930s. Engineers will now determine whether repairs or replacement bridges are needed.

Repairs began last week on a Route 35 bridge in Snyder County but not before the 55-year-old span deteriorated until it had the poorest inspection rating in the Central Susquehanna Valley.

The region boasts rolling landscape and innumerable streams and creeks. Bridges seem to be everywhere.

Maintaining them takes money and the foresight to make repairs before problems occur. This discipline has been lacking and repair bills are mounting.

Townships and counties lack the funds to solve this developing crisis. Harrisburg has offered little beyond the threat of tolling the only interstate that passes through the Valley. Federal assistance seems the only recourse.

Motorists cannot travel in confidence as long as roads continue to close because bridges are crumbling.