Pocono News Section

First Beams Laid for New Eighth Street Bridge

First Beams Laid for New Eighth Street Bridge - Monday, August 10, 2009 at 6:45PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Monday, Aug 10, 2009 @ 06:45pm EST
WYOMING, LUZERNE COUNTY- Too narrow, deteriorating and in need of a facelift. That's how PennDOT describes a bridge in Wyoming that's more than 100 years old. PennDOT is building a new Eighth Street Bridge connecting Wyoming Borough and Jenkins Township.

Workers are now laying the beams for the new bridge. It's right next to the old one. Connie Dominick of Wyoming said, "It will feel great. I mean we all know we need a new bridge."

Dominick owns a business next to the bridge. She's seen it worsen through the years like many other drivers. George Bisanesechi of Wyoming said, "Repairing the old bridge? Well they need to because someone's going to get killed."

In its project overview, PennDOT calls the bridge structurally deficient. The beams are the first part of a replacement bridge. It's a good thing but I mean it's going to take a while," said Bisanesechi.
The new bridge is expected to open in late 2010. PennDOT says this bridgework won't cause traffic delays. The old bridge will stay open until the new one is finished.