Pocono News Section

No Work on Certain Luzerne County Bridges

No Work on Certain Luzerne County Bridges - Friday, August 1, 2008 at 2:39PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Friday, Aug 1, 2008 @ 02:39pm EST
In Luzerne County, a state of emergency was declared after last years Minnesota bridge collapse. Commissioners wanted any bridges that had the same design as the Minnesota bridge fixed. Bids were placed, but one year later, the bridgework hasn't even started.

A bridge that connects Pittston with West Pittston is still scheduled be fixed. Michelle Harden of West Pittston says, "It would be very good news if improvements were made because it's a highly traveled bridge and we live in the area and obviously concerns would be that they could keep it up to par where it should be."

Luzerne County Commissioner Stephen Urban says funding finally freed up to reinforce the bridge. It's one of three in Luzerne County that are built similar to the Minneapolis bridge that collapsed. The others are in Nanticoke, and Plymouth Township.

Urban explains the delay in work. "Sometimes it seems like an easy process after a declaration. They came in, they put an estimated dollar amount on it, but you find out as you're going through the engineering process that the scope of work way exceeds the dollars that were allocated," says Urban.

The estimated cost to reinforce all three bridges is $700,000. Pins and decks need to be replaced. It's important work, for important bridges. The bridge in Plymouth Township is a small but important one in Luzerene County. When the nearby Susquehanna River floods Route 11 and 29, bus drivers and emergency vehicle drivers depend on it.

Clint Spieger of Wyoming bikes over several bridges a week, he thinks about their condition all the time. He says, "Every time I drive across or bicycle or walk it, yeah, I wonder."

But when the reinforcement work is finished Luzerne County leaders hope drivers, bikers, and walkers don't have to wonder anymore.

Commissioner Urban says now that the funding has opened up, the county will ask permission to use the companies bids already placed a year ago.