LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — The view from Skycam 16 shows the Firefighters Memorial Bridge, also known as the Water Street Bridge.
The bridge connecting Pittston to West Pittston closed in 2021 after it failed inspection.
Pittston City Administrator Joe Chacke says plans are moving along.
"It's been a project we've been talking about for more than a decade, and they have really been working on in earnest over the last 12-18 months. The schedule is still what it's always been," said Chacke.
PennDOT proposes to tear down the Water Street Bridge in 2026 and then replace it with a new bridge, but before that can happen, UGI needs to remove a gas line.
"The line is on the bridge, and if they were to terminate that now, people in the city of Pittston would not have gas service, which would be a problem here in NEPA, so they need to reroute that," explained Chacke.
City leaders say UGI plans to upgrade gas service to Pittston by building a substation and removing the need for a line across the river.
Since the Water Street Bridge was closed, the only other way to cross the Susquehanna River is through the Dale J. Kridlo Memorial Bridge.
"Traffic many hours, early morning hours and mid to late afternoon are at times the most horrendous. Backed up both ways coming over the bridge and going to the bridge," said Jim Elias, manager of Smith's Tire and Service Center.
According to Pittston City administrators, PennDOT is planning to put in a temporary light at the intersection of Exeter Avenue and Wyoming Avenue in West Pittston.
Some businesses in the area say the light will increase the backup. Jim Elias, the Manager of Smith's Tire and Service Center, hopes the traffic light will help ease the frustration.
"It's pretty scary. At times, you get the occasional fender bender. People are in a hurry and lose their patience. Horns are blowing all the time. It's dangerous," said Elias.
A public meeting will be held in the coming months for people to check out the design plans. Construction on the Water Street Bridge is slated to start in spring 2027.