CARBON COUNTY, Pa. — The bridge that sits over Stewart Creek on Hemlock Drive in Mahoning Township is closed indefinitely.
A recent inspection showed the nearly century-old bridge has erosion issues and isn't safe to drive on.
"When I heard it was being closed, I was like, this is such an inconvenience for everyone on this street all of the neighbors are in an uproar about it," said Noreen Coffin of Mahoning Township.
"Our bridges in PA need a lot of work, so this one is the least of their concerns," said Ellen Ballard of Mahoning Township.
People who live on Hemlock Drive near Lehighton tell Newswatch 16 the timeline of the project is what they're upset about.
PennDOT officials say construction on the bridge is slated for 2032 when funding is available. A whole eight years from now.
"Will I see it done? We're up here in age, and a lot of us here are senior citizens. Are we ever going to see it fixed?" said Coffin.
People who use this bridge tell Newswatch 16 there are plenty of road closed signs, but they say there are not enough detour signs. Which is causing some confusion.
"I got lost so I had to backtrack and come all the way back through Lehighton just to go to the pharmacy. There are no detour signs, it says detour but there are no indicators so we have a lot of turn arounds," explained Ballard.
For people who do know how to make their way around the bridge, they say it adds a good 15 to 20 minutes to their ride.
PennDOT says the detour will use Route 902, Route 209, and Packerton Dam Road.
"My husband comes home this way he has to go all out of his way to get to 902 and when he leaves work he has to get back on 902 out of our way instead of going right down the street. And with gas prices, you're putting more miles on your car," said Coffin.
PennDOT officials say this project falls under a bundle of projects through the Transportation Improvement Program.