Pocono News Section

Transportation Day in Williamsport

Transportation Day in Williamsport - Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 4:50PM EST

Reported by: Lorena Beniquez
Thursday, Oct 18, 2007 @04:50pm EST

WILLIAMSPORT/MONTOURSVILLE, LYCOMING COUNTY - Lycoming County is moving forward with its transportation system. Two separate ceremonies hailed the opening of the Market Street Bridge and a runway extension at the Williamsport Regional Airport. "It's a historic day in Lycoming County because this is the first time that we've ever had two major transportation facilities - one opening up to the public and the other one just starting construction," said Mark Murawski with the Williamsport Regional Airport Authority.

Even though motorists have been crossing the new Market Street Bridge for days, a ribbon cutting ceremony officially marked its opening. Senator Rodger Madigan who is on the Senate Transportation committee said, "Route 15 is one of the major highways from Canada to Florida. A lot of tourists use it and a lot of trucks."

Unlike the previous span, this one provides drivers with a direct connection to interstate 180. "I think that's going to help business and industry, as well as, the everyday traveler,” said Vince Matteo with the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce.

At the Williamsport Regional Airport, ground was broken for a 4.5 million dollar runway extension, a project that is essential in order for the facility to accommodate larger aircraft. Matteo added, “Now we need to convince airlines to come in to the airport."