ELLWOOD CITY County moves to repair bridge before cold weather

The bridge should close to traffic for a few days.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR NEW CASTLE BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County commissioners want to make repairs on the Ewing Park Bridge in Ellwood City, but first must declare the needed work an emergency.
Commissioners say the repairs must be done before winter and the regular competitive bidding process is too lengthy.
A railing is deteriorating on the 84-year-old structure.
Commissioner Ed Fosnaught said no one is at risk yet, but Pennsylvania Department of Transportation engineers have said the railing will start deteriorating faster in cold weather.
By declaring the work an emergency, commissioners can seek three quotes from bridge contractors and hire the contractor immediately.
The competitive bidding process takes three to five weeks.
The bridge, located off of Sims Street, is slated to be replaced next year, but the county must do regular maintenance to keep it open to traffic.
The work will be paid for from the county's liquid fuels fund, money collected from local gasoline taxes and set aside for road and bridge repairs. It's expected to cost more than $10,000.
Fosnaught said they will likely close the bridge to traffic, but it shouldn't be more than a few days.