|
|
Willow Grove Avenue Bridge closed for repairs
by Kristin Pazulski &
JENNIFER KATZ
The Willow Grove Avenue bridge, at Saint Martins train
station, was closed suddenly on Thursday, March 9. Streets Commissioner
Clarena I.W. Tolson announced the closure “in response to a determination
that emergency repair work is needed on the bridge,” read the statement
released Thursday.
Spokesperson for the Department of Streets, Emily Buenaflor, said approximately
a week ago SEPTA requested an inspection of the bridge. Inspectors discovered
that there is a curb steel beam that needs to be replaced, said Buenaflor.
“The beam has deteriorated from run off over time and needs to be
removed.”
The streets department is unable to estimate how long it will take to
replace the beam and reopen the bridge at this time. “Because the
railroad is electrified, we are being very careful and thorough,”
Buenaflor said. Department officials are expected to meet this week to
make a final determination on how to proceed, according to Buenaflor.
For now, traffic is detoured to Gravers Lane and Springfield Avenue.
|
|
