Pocono News Section

Intermodal Transportation Facility Update

Intermodal Transportation Facility Update - Friday, November 7, 2008 at 5:08PM EST

Friday, Nov 7, 2008 @ 05:08pm EST

More than a decade in the making, a multi-million dollar Wilkes-Barre project is taking shape.

Crews are laying groundwork for the intermodal transportation facility.

On Wednesday, major construction starts.

When finished, a 6 story parking garage and bus station will sit here.

Bus riders like Beth Long of Wilkes-Barre support the facility

"I think it's a real good idea. Yeah," says Long.

It's geared to get busses out of public square traffic, freeing up congestion.

Carol Cooper of Wilkes-Barre sees jammed up traffic all the time.

"There's a lot of traffic around here, especially on Thursday when they have the farmers market, people take the busses in and the cars are parked along the sidewalk and they have to meet you halfway out in the street," says Cooper.

Project manager Marie McCormick showed us what the facility will look like when done.

You can stay inside until catching a bus, and 752 new parking spots will be available.

McCormick says she's pleased with progress so far.

"Oh it's going to be wonderful. For the ridership of the buses, it's going to be fantastic, you go to one spot, all the buses are going to be there," says McCormick.

You won't be able to park on this side of South Washington street starting next Wednesday to mid March.

That's because huge machinery needs to make it's way into the project.

That machinery will start building the steel framework, and pouring concrete.

Some bus riders are looking forward to a finished job.

Sheldon Schell of Wilkes-Barre says, "I'm sure it would be more convenient for people especially handicapped and elderly people to get out of the weather."

Something the facility will be built to do.

The intermodal transportation facility is expected to be finished next June.