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FLEMINGTON -- The news that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is extending its closure of the Flemington bridge was met with varied reaction from area officials.
State Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-Clinton/Union) said she is working with PennDOT to find a solution as soon as possible -- particularly before the Keystone Central School District resumes classes on Wednesday, Aug. 30.
"I have been in communication with PennDOT this morning (Thursday) regarding the Flemington Bridge in Clinton County. Due to additional deterioration and supply chain issues, they have extended the time frame of completion," she said.
Borowicz said she "conveyed to them the extreme burden this situation places upon small businesses, local traffic and bus routes."
"I urged them to find a resolution to this as quickly as possible. PennDOT will be updating me periodically until this is completed," she said.
According to KCSD Superintendent Dr. Jacquelyn Martin, the district's transportation office is working with Susquehanna Transit to make adjustments to bus routes affected by the project.
"This could add a few minutes to some bus runs, however this is not the first time we have had to be flexible for bridge or road work during school times," Martin said. "We are looking forward to seeing our students on their first day of school on Aug. 30."
Martin also encouraged everyone to take extra caution as the new school year approaches.
"So that we can prevent any possible accidents with school buses or families who are transporting their children to or from school," she said.
Flemington Borough Council Vice President Wayne Allison, on behalf of its council, expressed disappointment in the delay of the project.
"Flemington Borough Council is extremely disappointed with the length of time it is taking to repair the bridge separating High Street, Flemington Borough and Hogan Boulevard," Allison said.
"We recognize the inconvenience the closure has caused many area residents. We also realize that the merchants on both sides of the bridge are suffering from lack of business," he continued. "It is unfortunate that better planning did not take place before starting the project."
Allison noted council's concern for increased traffic on Canal Street, a residential area.
"We urge those detouring to and from Canal Street to slow down and obey the posted speed limit of 25 miles per hour," he said.
PennDOT's release on Wednesday afternoon stated the delay in opening at least one lane of "The design and procurement of the materials for the additional repairs contributed to these delays," a release stated. "However, PennDOT expects addressing them now will improve the overall condition of the bridge enough for it to remain open for approximately two more decades."
PennDOT intends to provide an update on the project in two weeks, the release said.
Until then, detours put in place at the start of the project remain in effect.
There are two detours in effect for this project. The motor vehicle detour uses Route 150, Route 2015, Route 220, and Route 120. The bicycle detour uses Township Road 366 (Irwin Street/Canal Street/Fairpoint Road).
"PennDOT will place temporary traffic signals at each end of the bridge when it reopens the structure to one lane," a release said. "They will enforce an alternating traffic pattern where drivers take turns crossing the bridge via the open lane."