RIBBON CUTTING HELD FOR BROAD STREET BRIDGE OVER LITTLE SCHUYLKILL RIVER IN TAMAQUA; (VIDEO)

Pictured from left are Justin Startzel, Kevin Steigerwalt, Chris Morrison, Micah Gursky, Jerry Knowles, Dave Argall, Conneyly, Kerry Dowd. — Pictured from left are Justin Startzel, Tamaqua Borough Councilman; Kevin Steigerwalt, Borough Manager; Chris Morrison, Mayor; Micah Gursky, Borough Council President; Jerry Knowles, State Representative; Dave Argall, Senator; Brian Connely;, Tamaqua Borough Councilman and Kerry Dowd-Lasky, Tamaqua Borough Councilwoman.

An official ribbon cutting was held today (Thursday, October 2, 2014) at 2 PM for the Broad Street Bridge Over Schuylkill River in Tamaqua.
At 11:21 AM today, contractors removed signs and barricades at both ends of the ‘Broad Street Bridge Over Little Schuylkill River’ to allow traffic to cross the bridge. Around the same time yesterday, the sidewalk was opened to pedestrian traffic.
The $2,493,465 project included the rehabilitation of three-span stone masonry arch bridge over the Little Schuylkill. This work required the removal of existing steel sidewalk spans, deck replacement, and bridge widening with pier extensions and arched reinforced concrete beams.
During the 16-month project, the bridge was closed on June 3, 2014 and traffic detoured 20.7 miles from (SR309 to SR54 in Hometown) to (SR209 in Nesquehoning) during the project.
Project engineer was Ammann & Whitney Inc. of Philadelphia, PA. Project contractor was Blooming Glen Contractors Inc. of Blooming Glen, PA.
Officials on hand during the ribbon cutting were Dave Argall, Senator; Jerry Knowles, State Representative; Chris Morrison, Mayor; Kevin Steigerwalt, Borough Manager; Micah Gursky, Borough Council President; and councilmen Justin Startzel, Brian Connely and Kerry Dowd-Lasky.
“We are thrilled that this is finally finished,” said Senator Argall.
Representative Knowles praised the contractors and others for finishing ahead of schedule.
“Bridge is gorgeous,” said Startzel. “The bridge adds to all of Tamaqua’s historic values.”
Steigerwalt said that borough workers plan to install light fixtures and paint lines over the next few weeks.
“We are pleased with the outcome,” said Gursky. “We thank the residents of Tamaqua for their patience.”
Connely stated the council’s appreciation towards the late John Trudich and late Ken Smulligan and their efforts towards the project. Both served on council.
Officials said that the bridge is a contributing resource in the Tamaqua Historic District. Several historic elements were included in the bridge design such as tapered and curved reinforced concrete piers with aesthetic treatments, curved pilasters, brick-patterned concrete sidewalks, decorative railings and two decorative street lights.
The overall width of the bridge is 58 feet, including two 12-foot travel lanes, two 8-foot parking lanes and two 7 1/2 foot sidewalks.
Original bridge construction date was circa 1890s, while the sidewalk was added on both sides in 1933.
PennDOT estimates the bridge receives an average of about 6,450 vehicles per day.
Click HERE to view photos and video of actual opening a few hours ago.
TamaquaArea.com video:
(by videographer Beth Kester)