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The Firefighters’ Memorial Bridge on Water Street, which links Pittston and West Pittston, is expected to be closed Aug. 21 and 22 for lighting upgrades, Luzerne County Manager C. David Pedri announced Wednesday.

County council recently approved an agreement authorizing PPL Corp. to switch to more cost-efficient LED lighting while the utility company repairs circuits on the county-owned span.

PPL will pay for the work.

Motorists who use the span, also informally called the Water Street Bridge, are advised to plan accordingly by using alternate routes and anticipating delays due to the closure, Pedri said.

Rain dates of Aug. 23 and 24 also have been scheduled to ensure the work is completed by the end of the week.

Questions about the schedule should be directed to the county Road and Bridge Department at 570-825-1600.

The project stemmed largely from a citizen complaint about bridge darkness due to non-operational lighting. The utility owns the lighting.

The 1,500-foot steel bridge has nine overhead light fixtures, including one on each approaching end, officials have said. While attempting to replace the fixtures not functioning, PPL uncovered a problem with one of two circuits operating the lights.

Lighting improvements are scheduled for the Firefighters’ Memorial Bridge on Water Street, which links Pittston and West Pittston.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/web1_Bridges3.jpg.optimal.jpgLighting improvements are scheduled for the Firefighters’ Memorial Bridge on Water Street, which links Pittston and West Pittston. Times Leader file photo

By Jennifer Learn-Andes

[email protected]

Reach Jennifer Learn-Andes at 570-991-6388 or on Twitter @TLJenLearnAndes.