Pond Eddy bridge debacle nears solution

Bridge to be replaced, committee formed to examine replacement bridge

By TOM KANE

SHOHOLA, PA - It is agreed that the Pond Eddy Bridge will be replaced. The present discussion is what should the new bridge look like.

This statement was made by Richard Cochrane, Acting District Executive of PennDOT at the end of two protracted public meetings on Thursday, August 23.

After the first two-hour meeting with all the consulting parties, like PennDOT, NYDOT, the National Park Service, Shohola Township officials and members of the Friends of the Pond Eddy Bridge, a local group of residents who want the bridge preserved, a second public meeting was immediately held for residents and other interested parties for their input.

Those in favor of replacement, like Shohola Township Chief of Police Don Wall, repeated concerns that the safety of the residents was uppermost in making decisions about the bridge.

“Those folks over there are virtually unreachable by modern fire equipment,” Wall said. “And they can’t have the advantage of modern amenities, like deliveries of purchased items and such.”

One of the factors that have made the decision about the future of the bridge a difficult affair is the structure’s historic significance and how that contributes to the tourism economy. Recently, the Upper Delaware Council supported the replacement of the bridge. The single-lane, 504-foot bridge, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Structures, was built in 1904.

Some hold that the bridge is a factor in attracting visitors to the area, like people who come to see the famous Roebling Aqueduct at Lackawaxen, built by John Roebling who designed and built the Brooklyn Bridge. “The bridges are an attraction to the area,” said David Forney, NPS Superintendent of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River.

Some care little about history.

“The bleeding heart liberals are more worried about the aesthetics of the bridge than for the safety of the people who live over there,” Wall said after the meeting. “Oil trucks are taking a terrible risk in making deliveries. The modern emergency vehicles are getting bigger and bigger and the bridge can’t take them.”

Some think a balance could be struck.

“We have to preserve historical sites like this bridge because it reminds us of our past history,” said a member of the Friends of the Pond Eddy Bridge. “The bridge possesses a rare beauty and has real value. If it’s possible to save it and still maintain the safety of residences, it ought to be preserved. There is so much new technology today that it should be possible.”

And some simply want a quick solution.

Many of the residents who live in the 27 homes that are land-locked on the Pennsylvania side of the river were present and spoke loudly in favor of replacement.

A committee was formed, representing all sides of the issue, to explore how construction features of the new bridge would reflect the historical nature and the uniqueness of the old bridge. A meeting is planned for Wednesday, October 3 at the Shohola Township building with the time to be determined.