For the second time in recent weeks, the Steaming Cup of Joe on The Express-Times' web site, has highlighted a road issue in the Nazareth Area. First it was Prologis Parkway off route 248, now it is the rebuilding of the bridge connecting Stockertown and Tatamy (read the post here).
His point is well-taken, with all the talk of stimulus cash flowing into road projects, why isn't this one on the list - the bridge has been out for years.
According to his post it is mostly due to local officials who would prefer one less access through and thereby less traffic, regardless of the inconvenience to others.
In a sense this is a not in my backyard issue, on the other hand, is the lack of a bridge really that big a problem or would funding a new bridge be a waste of money (not that money won't be wasted in the millions in the name of stimulus)?
What do you think - should the bridge be rebuilt?
3 comments:
I would like to see the bridge rebuilt. It was a well traveled road when the bridge was standing, and therefore I would not see any funds to reinstate it to be wasted.
In the interest of full disclosure -I have meetings in Tatamy and having that road back would allow me a more direct route to them. So I am not an unbiased observer in this.
Right now it is a PIA to get from Bushkill, or anywhere in the Wind Gap area, to Tatamy. I think the future installation of an interchange from Route 33 onto Tatamy Road (which is supposedly part of Chrin's development plans) will solve the future traffic woes caused between Stockertown and Tatamy. I would like to see the bridge replaced.
As a Tatamy resident (and member of the Borough Council) I would like for nothing more than for the bridge between Stockertown and Tatamy (via Palmer Township)to be replaced. Unfortunately, the issue seems to lie with PennDOT. According to a briefing not that long ago that was presented to Council, their claim is that the area around the bridge is too unstable with the constant sinkhole activity that to rebuild the bridge just doesn't seem to be practical. I did hear a rumor that Gov. Rendell supported the bridge project (how he got wind of it I'll never know). I think I'm going to shoot a note off to Rep. Grucela and get his take on this; since the state has some new found money, why not try to put it to good use for us.
I do agree with "anonymous" that Chrin's proposed interchange at Rt 33 and Main Street would help alleviate some of the traffic problems that exist today. That's several years out though, so certainly not a short-term fix.
Speaking of short-term fixes, as you may know, the Main Street bridge in Tatamy that crosses the Bushkill Creek is slated to be replaced (schedule still TBD). Anyone who drives across that bridge regularly knows it's well beyond its useful life. When that bridge closes it's going to create a traffic nightmare in and around Tatamy. I don't even want to think about it.
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