Future of Hermitage road weighed

The old road can provide access to a sewer line and a proposed hiking trail.
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The city wants to take ownership of a portion of Lamor Road that runs through Pine Hollow when the state abandons it next year.
The state is planning a $3 million project that will replace about a half-mile of the road that drops down into the hollow, crosses a narrow bridge and has a couple of sharp turns.
The state had planned to leave the old road on the west side of the bridge intact so the city would have access to a sewage pump station at the bottom of the hollow, but Hermitage wants to keep the east side of the old road as well, said city Manager Gary Hinkson.
The east side provides better access to sewer manholes in a sanitary line that runs down the center of the hollow. There are also plans to put a hiking trail through that area and the east approach would be best suited to that purpose, he said.
Doesn't want bridge
The city administrative staff has recommended that Hermitage take ownership of the road on both sides of the old bridge -- but doesn't want the bridge, Hinkson said. It is showing signs of deterioration and the city doesn't want the expense of having to maintain it, he said.
The issue was discussed at a city commissioners workshop Thursday, and Hinkson said Commissioner Larry Gurrera said he would like to see the bridge saved, if possible.
Gurrera said it would be a shame to just remove it when it is still functional, Hinkson said. A decision on what the city wants will be made at the commissioners' regular meeting Wednesday, he said.
The state project will straighten the road and add a new, higher and wider bridge.
Hinkson said the state has indicated a willingness to turn the old road over to the city.