In the mid 50's, it was a big deal to us southsiders when they opened the new 15th Street Bridge. Prior to that, we had to either go over the 8th Street Bridge, or use the old stone arch bridge by the fertilizer plant. The fertilizer plant is long gone, but the old stone bridge is still there. Schreibers Bridge was built in 1828, and rehabilitated in 1920. The new 15th Street bridge was built in 1957, and is now restricted to south bound only, until which time it can be completely replaced. So the new bridge lasted 54 years, while the old stone bridge is still in use, 182 years later.
Recently, I urged Donny Cunningham not to replace the stone arch bridge on Reading Road. His project manager, Glenn Solt, insists that the historic bridge must be replaced. He stated that stone arch bridges look nice on the outside, but inside, they're filled with "crap." Thankfully, Don and Glenn didn't target Schreibers Bridge, because we're really going to need it with the new 15th Street Bridge out of commission. Hopefully, they will reconsider about stealing our history on Reading Road.
Once again the "Tribune of the People" stands up for preserving our history. Thanks MM.
ReplyDeleteMM -
ReplyDeleteRegarding the 15th street bridge, I think it's a travesty that the city let the bridge get to this point.
Allentown taxpayers will have to wait almost a year before the bridge work starts, and it will probably be another year or two until the work is finished.
That means big delays for those who MUST get into the city along that route, while those who can will AVOID the trip altogether.
To me, it's inexcusable that a vital link to downtown will be closed for that period of time. Of all the failures and wrongdoing by the Pawlowski administration, this might be the worst.
I'm pretty sure this bridge is a PennDot issue. I know 15th St is owned by the state.
ReplyDeletei believe both these bridges are under allentown. regardless, the city should have been more pro-active about 15th st. maintenance was ignored for decades. last year this blog complained about the railings being allowed to rust. on the other hand, allentown accepted grants for useless stoplights; 13th and 14th and chew. 8th and liberty. all three lights impede traffic
ReplyDeleteThis will be a major issue here in my neck of the city. I worry about fire, police and ambulance access. If anyone knows for sure how this was allowed to get this bad, please post.
ReplyDeleteSeems to be a priority issue. Always seems to be enough money around for a new restaurant. Only problem is now ingress and egress are a bit more difficult.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous 8:20 pm said...
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure this bridge is a PennDot issue. I know 15th St is owned by the state.
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Anon -
You couldn't be more wrong. It is a city bridge, and a city issue.
The bridge replacement was supposed to be started in 2006, but was put off by the Pawlowski administration. They used that money elsewhere, opting for ineffective repairs on the bridge.
That Glenn Solt is a bit to be desired. What training or education does he have to know anything about
ReplyDelete19th century bridges? And what type of language is that for a government official to use! Shame on him.
i believe both these bridges are under allentown. regardless, the city should have been more pro-active about 15th st. maintenance was ignored for decades. last year this blog complained about the railings being allowed to rust. on the other hand, allentown accepted grants for useless stoplights; 13th and 14th and chew. 8th and liberty. all three lights impede traffic
ReplyDeleteNovember 22, 2010 3:17 AM
Blogger Bill said...
This will be a major issue here in my neck of the city. I worry about fire, police and ambulance access. If anyone knows for sure how this was allowed to get this bad, please post.
November 22, 2010 5:36 AM
Dear Bill,
Your concerns about the S. 10th Street neighborhood seem warranted. Has anyone at city hall addressed the harmful
health effects of carbon monoxide?
What will happen to the lungs of this neighborhood's young children as a result of thousands upon thousands of daily vehicles utilizing their small residential neighborhood streets.
That South 10th Street neighborhood needs a public health advocate, some federal official with clout.
ReplyDeleteHey People,
ReplyDeleteJust calm down, there!!!
You just got a super-duper, multi-generational playground to adequately fight racism.
What more do you expect when YOU overwhelmingly vote Progressive Liberal Democrat year in and year out?
YOU made YOUR mess - now lie in it and be happy.
Quietly.
YOU re-elected Pawlowski and his constituency.
Morons.
Allentown is hardly the lone ranger when it comes to neglecting bridges. About 25% of the nations bridges are labelled "structurally deficient" or "functionally obsolete" according to one analysis:
ReplyDeletehttp://articles.cnn.com/2007-08-02/us/bridge.infrastructure_1_problem-bridges-building-bridges-federal-highway-administration?_s=PM:US
Does the current budget include funding for the 15th street bridge?