Open house planned for Pittston, West Pittston bridges project

Tim Haberski
·2 min read

LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — PennDOT announced Wednesday that an open house is scheduled for the public to observe and give their input about a major construction project that will replace two heavily traveled bridges that connect Pittston City to West Pittston Borough.

In a media release, PennDOT announced that on May 8, members of the public are invited to view a display for the Route 11 Section 350 Bridge Replacement Project.

The project involves the replacement of Specialist Dale Kridlo Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 11 over the Susquehanna River, and Route 2037 (Kennedy Boulevard), as well as the Firefighter’s Memorial Bridge carrying Water Street over the Susquehanna River. The Firefighter’s Memorial Bridge was closed back in 2021.

<strong>Courtesy: PennDOT</strong>
Courtesy: PennDOT

Other structures included in the plan include multiple retaining walls adjacent to Kennedy Boulevard. PennDOT says improvements will also be made to the intersection where Route 11 (Wyoming Avenue) meets Route 92 (Exeter Avenue), along with the area where Route 11 meets North Main Street in Pittston City to accommodate the new bridge and rectify pre-existing traffic problems. The intersection of Water Street and Kennedy Boulevard will also be revamped.

“Full-depth pavement reconstruction will be required adjacent to the bridge replacements, at the reconstructed intersections, and along Kennedy Boulevard. New sidewalks, curbing, pavement markings, and drainage will be provided throughout the reconstructed limits of the project,” PennDOT noted in their release.

Timeline released for Firefighters Memorial Bridge

The project will also take into consideration the items of historic significance present in the area of the construction project.

“Historical resources present within the project site include the National Register Eligible Historic Fort Jenkins Bridge, Water Street Bridge, West Pittston Historic District, and Lehigh Valley Railroad, Both river crossings are contributing elements to the West Pittston Historic District,” PennDOT recognized.

Developers are also aware of the recreational activities that many participate in along the Susquehanna River and its banks.

“Recreational resources present within the project site include the North Branch Susquehanna Water Trail, the Luzerne County Trail, and the Riverfront Park. Warning signs will be provided during construction along the Susquehanna Water Trail to notify recreational boat traffic of construction activities,” they added.

PennDOT says the projects will be completed in phases, with the Fireman’s Memorial Bridge being replaced first.

“The first half of the Kridlo Memorial Bridge will also be built off alignment to accelerate the construction schedule. After the new Firefighter’s Memorial Bridge is complete, traffic will be diverted to this crossing as the existing Kridlo Memorial Bridge is removed and the remainder of the new bridge constructed,” PennDOT explained.

For a more detailed look at the bridge replacement plan, you can visit PennDOT’s website.

The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 8, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Wyoming Area Secondary Center Auditorium, 252 Memorial Street Exeter, PA 18643.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.