Is the Ninth Street Bridge in Lehighton slipping into more serious deterioration?

At least one member of Lehighton Borough Council believes it is.Scott Rehrig, vice president of the council, told the council, "The bridge is dropping some more."Rehrig urged that a letter be sent to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation asking if it knows when repairs to the bridge will occur.He said the bridge is used by school buses as well as truck traffic and he has concerns about safety.Council President Grant Hunsicker said electrical wires have been moved so that work can be done by PennDOT.The bridge, previously three lanes, has been reduced to two lanes because of conditions on the bridge. The outer areas of the bridge are closed.PennDOT had stated the problem is some rotational movement of the two wing walls on the southern abutment (Route 443 side), which was discovered during a PennDOT inspection.In August, PennDOT stated repairs were anticipated to be made this year.The repairs include installation of concrete bracing to prevent further movement of the wing walls.The bridge spans the Mahoning Creek.