COAL TOWNSHIP - Route 61 was reopened Friday night from the Cameron Bridge to just past Badmans Hill Road near Weigh Scales.
Route 61 from the Cameron Bridge to Route 487 in Paxinos had been closed since Thursday night to allow PennDOT engineers to inspect all bridges in that area to make sure they are structurally sound after enduring torrential rains and flooding conditions Wednesday and Thursday.
A bridge on Route 61 near Ehrlich Pest Control could be inspected as early as today, Eugene Welsh, Coal Township commissioner chairman, said Friday. However, that depends on if the flood waters continue to recede and if debris collected at the bridge is cleared out.
Welsh, who noted bridges at the entrances of Ranshaw passed inspection Friday, said heavy equipment would be brought to the bridge to clear the debris today.
Coal Township Police Chief William Carpenter - who has spent countless hours during the past few days with other officers, fire police and other emergency personnel assisting with traffic control, rescue efforts and clearing water from roads and basements - said PennDOT ordered the highway to be shut down at 7 p.m. Thursday.
"PennDOT initially wanted us to close the Cameron Bridge too, but they changed their mind a short time later," Carpenter said.
Before it was partially reopened Friday, Carpenter said the highway was open only to residents and employees who needed to reach their homes and businesses. It was also accessible to patients and emergency personnel bound for Shamokin Area Community Hospital.
Carpenter reminded motorists to remember emergency personnel, for the most part, are volunteers and have been working tirelessly for days, often without much sleep or chance to wash or eat.
"Our fire police and firefighters have been out for the past couple days directing traffic and pumping basements, particularly in Tharptown and Trevorton Road. They are all volunteers and people need to remember that. We can't ask more of them. They have been committed and very dedicated to the community."
Carpenter said he realizes the past few days have been very stressful for everyone, but encouraged motorists to be patient and understanding with fire police and police.
"People are screaming at us and the fire police for not being allowed to travel on Route 61," he said. "It's not our fault the flooding occurred and bridge inspections need to be done. Our top priority is making sure everyone is safe.
The police chief noted that water levels in creeks and the Susquehanna River along with road conditions have been changing, which will ultimately determine when roads will be reopened.