WILKES-BARRE – Luzerne County Road and Bridge Department workers have fenced off the Division Street Bridge, after a portion of the span collapsed and fell into Solomon Creek.
Officials said the bridge, which is located near the border of South Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township, was closed to cars after flooding damage from Tropical Storm Lee in 2011.
David Kosin told Newswatch 16 that he and other neighbors have continued using the bridge to cross over by foot or on bicycles, until a portion of the span collapsed on Monday.
"I`m surprised it that it hasn`t completely collapsed into the creek already,” said Kosin. “It’s going to be a big inconvenience for all of these people that live in this area here. And nobody seems to be worried about it.”
County officials said they’re looking into dismantling the bridge to prevent people from trying to jump the fence and cross it.
The Luzerne County Road and Bridge Department said it maintains around 350 bridges, and there currently are no plans or funding available to replace the Division Street Bridge.
Pedestrians and bicyclists have been directed to use the Oxford Street Bridge in Hanover Township, a few blocks away.
Luzerne County officials said that bridge was given a “fair” rating after an inspection in 2012, and that the Oxford Street Bridge is scheduled to be inspected sometime this year.