Wednesday, September 22, 2010

A Not So Fond Farewell

There is something beautifully old fashioned about steel trussed bridges, and something about them that scares the heck out of me.

Above is the old 8th Street bridge between Wyoming and Jenkins Township in Luzerne County.  The photo was taken yesterday from the east side.  The old bridge is being replaced by a concrete one.  The yet-to-be completed bridge is hidden behind the red crane.

The 8th Street bridge must have been a masterpiece in its time, but it's also time to go.  It's narrow.  There's a weight limit.  It can't handle today's traffic.  It is rated as one of the worst in our area.  I can't say it was one of my favorites, even though it provides a great short cut between sides of the valley, even though it's a beautiful structure.  There was no room for error here.

The new bridge should be open late this year or early 2011.  I'm looking forward to it.