Nashua Bridge is out for repairs

NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- Lawrence County officials closed the Nashua Bridge in Pulaski Township on Thursday until deck repairs can be completed.
County commissioners, who announced the closing of the bridge at their weekly caucus, said the county engineer recommended the move after inspecting the bridge earlier this week and determining the project should not be delayed because of continuing deterioration.
Frank B. Taylor Engineering also asked the county to declare the closing of the bridge and the repair project an emergency situation so work on the bridge could begin as soon as possible.
Commissioners plan to hire a contractor Tuesday to complete the job. Earlier this week commissioners began opening quotes for the work, but after realizing the amounts submitted were greater than $10,000, halted the process. They said they had hoped to hire a firm without putting the project through the required bid process for jobs amounting to more than $10,000.
Through that process, hiring a contractor could take at least a month. However, by declaring the situation an emergency, commissioners were able to avoid that process. Commissioners said they do not know how long the bridge will be closed.