Keystone Today

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) are announcing $19,000,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation to fund the replacement of the Fort Jenkins and Water Street Bridges between Pittston and West Pittston, PA. This funding comes from a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grant, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

With this funding, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), Luzerne County, and the municipalities will work together to design and build replacements to the Fort Jenkins and Water Street Bridges, which will include on-street bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements. The grant will also fund the modernization of seven adjacent intersections to include ADA accommodations, traffic signal reflectivity, retiming, pedestrian interval considerations at approach intersections, and dedicated turning lanes where warranted.

“The Fort Jenkins and Water Street bridges are vital connectors for the communities of Pittston and West Pittston and the entire Wyoming Valley, but they are in desperate need of replacement,” said Senator Casey. “I have stood in front of these very bridges, calling for increased federal investment in our infrastructure. Two years ago, Congress and the President came together to finally make that investment a reality. Now, thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this grant will make crossing the Susquehanna safer and more accessible for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and all residents of Pittston and West Pittston.”

“I’m proud to join with Senator Casey to announce this funding for two bridge upgrade projects in Pittston,” said Senator Fetterman. “With this investment, the city will be able to improve its existing infrastructure and make the bridges more pedestrian friendly. This is exactly the type of investment the city needs and deserves.” 

“On behalf of the citizens of the City of Pittston and the Northeast part of the Wyoming Valley, I am very grateful for today’s announcement,” said Michael Lombardo, Mayor of Pittston. “This significant funding will assist us in the construction of two new safe and modern bridges that will enhance traffic movement in our region, improve and make ADA compliant seven existing deficient intersections, provide for quality of life upgrades for bicycle and pedestrian movement as well as provide some additional flood protection to our neighbors in West Pittston. I would like to personally thank Senators Casey and Fetterman for their leadership and support of this project. Northeast PA continues to be an example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together.”

“West Pittston Borough Council enthusiastically welcomes today’s announcement of the $19,000,000 RAISE Grant Award for the Jenkins Bridge and Water Street Bridge/Firefighter’s Memorial Bridge Project by the Department of Transportation,” said Ellen Quinn, President of the West Pittston Borough Council. “The success of this grant request and today’s announcement is the result of the advocacy put forth by Senators Casey and Fetterman on behalf of this project and their constituents.  West Pittston Borough Council is hopeful this RAISE Grant award demonstrates the significance of the Bridges Project and contributes in a most positive way to speed the project process along in a most expeditious way.  Thank you, Senators Casey and Fetterman.”

“I’m thrilled that our federal partners saw what we and the local community know – it’s critical to replace these bridges that are so important to Pittston and West Pittston,” PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll said. “When completed, the community’s safety, quality of life, and traffic flow will be improved.”

Original source can be found here.