Slabtown Bridge Now Open
By: Jayne Ann Bugda
Updated: November 6, 2012
Upper Fairfield Township, Lycoming County- After being washed away by Hurricane Irene.... the Slabtown Bridge in Upper Fairfield Township opened back up today better than ever.
The Slabtown bridge off of Route 87 in Loyalsockville is getting a second chance after being taken out by Hurricane Irene.
"It means a great deal. We live a mile away but it was a 12 mile detour to Montoursville." said Margaret Woodhead of Upper Fairfield.
When the bridge was out a 5 minute commute turned into a 20 minute hike but the biggest concern was about first responders and how they would get to an emergency.
"We have three fire companies that service our township. So a lot of our fire protection had to come from Montoursville, which is a great fire company but they are a whole lot further away." said Judith Lunt of Upper Fairfield
Another problem PennDOT crews faced during the re-building process was last weeks bad weather.
"It just delayed us from opening. We had planned on opening last week, but with the weather we couldn't do it until this week." said Project Manager David Wise
But without further ado. The Slabtown bridge opened Tuesday with cars and spirits taking the fast track.
"All the locals are really excited, you know, working here and going to business everyone can't wait to get it open." said Wise
"Because i can get to the post office grocery store and Walmart" Said Woodhead
PennDOT says a few finishing touches will be added to the bridge over the next few weeks... But both lanes are open to traffic.
The Slabtown bridge off of Route 87 in Loyalsockville is getting a second chance after being taken out by Hurricane Irene.
"It means a great deal. We live a mile away but it was a 12 mile detour to Montoursville." said Margaret Woodhead of Upper Fairfield.
When the bridge was out a 5 minute commute turned into a 20 minute hike but the biggest concern was about first responders and how they would get to an emergency.
"We have three fire companies that service our township. So a lot of our fire protection had to come from Montoursville, which is a great fire company but they are a whole lot further away." said Judith Lunt of Upper Fairfield
Another problem PennDOT crews faced during the re-building process was last weeks bad weather.
"It just delayed us from opening. We had planned on opening last week, but with the weather we couldn't do it until this week." said Project Manager David Wise
But without further ado. The Slabtown bridge opened Tuesday with cars and spirits taking the fast track.
"All the locals are really excited, you know, working here and going to business everyone can't wait to get it open." said Wise
"Because i can get to the post office grocery store and Walmart" Said Woodhead
PennDOT says a few finishing touches will be added to the bridge over the next few weeks... But both lanes are open to traffic.
