NANTICOKE, Pa. — The century-old bridge that connects Nanticoke and West Nanticoke across the Susquehanna River has a history of problems.
"We went over that bridge, and it's a tight fit," said Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo.
It is so tight that it restricts first responders in the city. Now, with a 15-ton weight limit, it also becomes a safety concern when minutes matter most.
"Our primary ladder truck cannot access that bridge," said Nanticoke Fire Chief Mark Boncal. "We do have to go over the South Cross Valley bridge in an emergency when that vehicle has to respond."
The county is considering two options. One is a partial replacement, using some of the current structure but widening the lanes and the entrances.
The other is a complete replacement of the bridge in a new location.
This isn't the first time Luzerne County Council has encountered bridge problems, as officials recently tackled the structure between Pittston and West Pittston.
"The towns of Pittston and West Pittston, their economies and their entire traffic pattern was built upon two bridges, and we heard today, it's very similar for Nanticoke and West Nanitcoke," said John Lombardo, chair of the Luzerne County Council.
But fully replacing the dilapidated structure in Nanticoke comes with a big price tag- about $ 64 million- that Luzerne County officials say they just can't afford.
It's about $9 million more than the other option, and time is ticking in this decision.
"If we don't make a decision soon, the price of replacing the bridge will certainly increase. We've seen price increases that have been astronomical over the past several years," Lombardo said.
State and federal lawmakers are hoping to step in and help. Lawmakers like State Senator Lisa Baker say there may be some other grants that can help fill that deficit.
"The longer you wait, the worse it'll be. It's more important that we move forward in how to address it," said Sen. Baker, 20th District.
The county has about $55 million from an LSA grant to go towards the project.
"We do have the money from the LSA grant that is a significant amount of money. We do need to make up that difference if we're going to replace the bridge," Crocamo said.
The county council also wants to hear from the people. A town hall is scheduled for March in Nanticoke.