HOLLIDAYSBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) designated a bridge on Dunnings Highway over Beaverdam Creek in Greenfield Township, Blair County, as the Arthur R. Walter, Jr., Memorial Bridge. Act 17 of 2025, signed into law on June 30, 2025, designated this bridge to Mr. Walter, who was employed as a Transportation Equipment Operator by PennDOT-District 9-0 in Hollidaysburg for 15 years. He lost his life in a vehicle accident in Brooks Mill while traveling to work on December 17, 2001.
“Many Commonwealth employees face risks everyday as they serve the public,” said Ward. “This bridge designation will honor Mr. Walter and serve as a reminder to everyone who travels this road that these dedicated, hard-working men and women keep our state functioning on a daily basis.”
Arthur R. Walter, Jr. was born on April 2, 1952 in Roaring Spring, PA. He was the son of Arthur R. Walter and Ida K. Dicken and stepfather Donald Schoening. He has two half-brothers, Henry Roudabush and Ray Roudabush, both of Claysburg; two sisters, Grace Helsel and Helen Betar, both of Claysburg; and two-half sisters, Mary Walter of New Jersey and Donna Vildibill of Alabama. He graduated from Claysburg-Kimmel High School in 1970 and later married Tammy J. Smith on March 18, 2000, in Claysburg. Art’s children include one son, Gabriel R. Walter of Claysburg; one stepson, Douglas P. Burket, of Claysburg; two daughters, Mariah A. and Jessie M. Walter, both of Fishertown; and a grandson, Bryce Walter of Claysburg.
In addition to his PennDOT service, Mr. Walter was a well-known PIAA basketball official, softball umpire and volleyball referee who worked for 26 years in area high school athletics in Blair and Bedford counties, in addition to working as an adult flag football official and an ASA softball umpire in the summer. He was a member of the Claysburg Church of God.
“I think about my dad everyday. I love him and I miss him,” said Gabe Walter
“We are grateful for Mr. Walter’s years of dedicated service to our Commonwealth, and this bridge will always carry his name to show our appreciation for his service and commitment to our state,” said Ward.
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Ward contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421