- Last Updated on Friday, 31 May 2013 21:51
Celebration being planned for reopening of Charleroi-Monessen Bridge
By Earl Bugaile
It’s been a long four years since the Charleroi Monessen Bridge closed in 2009 because of structural deficiencies.
By Earl Bugaile
It’s been a long four years since the Charleroi Monessen Bridge closed in 2009 because of structural deficiencies.
Residents of North Charleroi, as well as Charleroi Borough and Monessen, along with countless others have had to drive the detour to get across the Monongahela River, but the end is now within sight, as PennDOT plans to open the new John K. Tener Memorial Bridge on June 29, and its opening will be a significant event, especially for Lee Hall, the mayor of North Charleroi.
“This has been so long in coming, that it will be a relief to everyone,” Hall said. “It’s hurt a number of local businesses as well as residents. Even Stout’s Carpeting had to close because they lost business. It’s really been a hardship for everyone because a trip over the detour took an additional 10 to 15 minutes. It hasn’t been that easy just to get from Charleroi to Monessen.”
Hall said he is on a committee of planners organizing a special celebration on Saturday, June 29 to mark the bridge completion. The committee is comprised of people from Monessen, Charleroi and North Charleroi, which will include a possible parade, along with other events.
Hall said the committee is planning to invite federal, state and local officials to take part in the celebration. The committee is also planning to publish a commemorative booklet, along with other collectible items marking the occasion.
“We are working out all of the details for the celebration, but it’s really going to be a big event, Hall stated.
Hall said businesses on both sides of the river in addition to elected officials are being approached to support the commemorative booklet through placing an advertisement.
