SCRANTON, Pa. — Scranton DPW workers put up roadblocks Tuesday along Theodore Street. The road is expected to be closed between Return Avenue and Ralph Avenue for at least two weeks.
Norfolk Southern crews are working on the railroad bridge that crosses over the street. City officials already closed one lane of travel to protect drivers from the chance of any debris falling.
"It probably should have been close ten years ago when it started crumbling. And finally, they're going to do some before we really do have a problem," said Joe Burke.
The road closure could also cause transportation delays for nearby schools, specifically Neil Armstrong Elementary and Northeast Intermediate. Scranton School District officials say there could be delays with dismissal and pick-up.
Parents and family members who use Theodore Street to get to and from these schools say it is a concern.
"It's going to interfere with work schedules, maybe the day care schedules who are waiting for those kids to arrive after, everybody has to just rearrange everything," said Shay Johnson.
"Trying to get the buses up in some of those side streets up there. It's very, very tight. So it'll be interesting," Burke said.
In the meantime, drivers have a detour to get around the closure until the work is done.
Justin Grosvenor picks up his son from Neil Armstrong Elementary. He says there is one positive thing that comes from having this section of Theodore Street closed.
"I'm sorry for the inconvenience for the people that live going down this way, but I like his kind of lesson to traffic and less of a speeding worry about getting hit," Grosvenor said.
Scranton officials remind drivers that the speed limit on Theodore Street is 25 miles per hour.