When I was a little boy, and before the 15th Street Bridge was built, Schreibers Bridge was already over 100 years old. It was one of the few ways that South Allentown connected with the remainder of the city. Through neglect by the City, the burden once again falls on the old bridge. Ironically, Schreibers itself is scheduled for repairs and under weight restriction. Now, because of the north bound closure of the 15th St. Bridge, there is almost a constant line of cars waiting to drive over this historical structure, built in 1828. When the 15th St. Bridge is completely closed and being replaced, the burden on Schreibers will double. The metal 15th Street Bridge deteriorated for lack of simple painting. As residents noticed the top railings turn from green to pure rust, the same erosion was occurring on the structural beams below. Although the City finally painted the top railings and placed City Without Limits banners on the light-posts, the bridge was lost. As this and previous Administrations pursued a ribbon cutting Arena, our infrastructure and public safety was sacrificed. Soon, even our history will be gone.
Dec 29, 2011
South Allentown's Sorrow
When I was a little boy, and before the 15th Street Bridge was built, Schreibers Bridge was already over 100 years old. It was one of the few ways that South Allentown connected with the remainder of the city. Through neglect by the City, the burden once again falls on the old bridge. Ironically, Schreibers itself is scheduled for repairs and under weight restriction. Now, because of the north bound closure of the 15th St. Bridge, there is almost a constant line of cars waiting to drive over this historical structure, built in 1828. When the 15th St. Bridge is completely closed and being replaced, the burden on Schreibers will double. The metal 15th Street Bridge deteriorated for lack of simple painting. As residents noticed the top railings turn from green to pure rust, the same erosion was occurring on the structural beams below. Although the City finally painted the top railings and placed City Without Limits banners on the light-posts, the bridge was lost. As this and previous Administrations pursued a ribbon cutting Arena, our infrastructure and public safety was sacrificed. Soon, even our history will be gone.
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What weight conditions. Surely you jest. Every vehicle that can avoid 15th St right now goes over that little antique bridge, soon to be destroyed by the thousands of daily vehicular traffic it's enduring, not to mention the thousands of visitors to the "Lights." Park across the street from the bridge on MLK and watch. Why not take some photos too.
ReplyDeletei also worry about schreibers bridge surviving this ordeal. this post is intended to put that concern on record.
ReplyDeleteI tell you, that puny little concrete slab bridge at 10th Street is taking a beating as well. It may be less structurally sound than Schreibers. That new American Parkway Bridge will probably get done before 15th Street.
ReplyDeleteanon 12:31, i'm glad at least some people are using the S. 10th St. detour, because it's essentially the road to nowhere, with the Tee at Martin Luther. the 8th st. bridge is also taking a heavy toll, with traffic backed up on st. john street.
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