Thursday, May 24, 2007

County Awards Contract for Flood Repairs

The Morning Call has an article (read it here) indicating that Northampton County has awarded a contract for flood repairs at four properties - Gracedale, which needs a streambed repaired and Fry's Run along Route 611, Wy-Hit-Tuk park, off Route 611 in Williams, and at the Frost Hollow scenic overlook in Forks Township.

Seeing this story reminded me of Jacobsburg State Park and the bridge that has been out. To that and I sent a note this morning to both Rep. Dally and Grucela as follows:
I am writing in regard to any information you can provide to readers of NewsOverCoffee about the bridge at Jacobsburg Park. This has been out for some time and being out, it results in individuals not being able to fully and/or safely access all parts of the Park. It also possesses a clear safety hazard.

I'd also think that with the bridge out, the Park may not be in compliance with ADA regulations as restroom facilities are denied to those whose ability to traverse hiking trails is limited. The bridge connected the main parking area with the picnic and restroom areas, but with it being out park-goers must walk along the main road, walk up a hiking trail to access the picnic area, then down a trail to again reach the restrooms, whereas previously they simply crossed the bridge.

This park has many visitors and is an area treasure. Any insight or updates you could provide as well as advice for individuals who would like to see something done would be very much appreciated.

Let's hope something will be done/is being planned to be done, to restore the bridge at Jacobsburg.

3 comments:

whowherewhenwhy said...

I second that. We use the park several times a week to walk our dogs and it is extremely dangerous to walk along the road to gain access. Nothing is bieng done to slow traffic in the area and it's just a matter of time before something bad happens.

RossRN said...

Thanks. The added danger/risk that exists with the bridge out because people have to walk along that section of road (on a slight bend with hills and the cars as you say are not going slow) is significant.

It is even moreso when you consider students and classes who are visiting the center. We were there with a class of 4/5 year olds. While each had to have a parent with them, not all classes that visit do.

I made a separate post today and Rep. Dally's office is looking into what can be done. I'll post updates as I get them.

M+M said...

I have sent Rep. Dally msg at his website. Please feel free to use some of the wording to contact him and get the bridge fixed.

Nearly 3 years ago the walking bridge at Jacobsburg SP was destroyed by a flood. Since that time a dangerous situation has arose. Families are forced to walk along the roadside to access specific areas of the park. It is only a matter of time before a pedestrian gets hit by an automobile. As the busy summer season begins, more families will be visiting the park. I have heard no news about replacing this bridge. Jacobsburg is one of the nicest parks in our county. Please make every effort to get the walking bridge replaced before an accident mars the serenity of the park.