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<p>A state agency has determined there are no alternatives other than demolishing the dilapidated Coxton Railroad Bridge to prevent a possible collapse and blockage of the Susquehanna River.</p><p>The conclusion by the Department of Community and Economic Development is a procedural step that moves closer the release of $1 million in disaster recovery funds set aside for the demolition of the unused bridge spanning the river between Duryea and Exeter.</p><p>The Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority has applied for the funding to tear down the bridge it sold for $500 in 2007 and reacquired this year from LAG Wrecking Inc. of Duryea.</p><p>DCED spokesman David Smith said Tuesday the application is under review.</p><p>The bridge has been a concern because of its poor condition. As far back as 2014, the Department of Environmental Protection ordered LAG Wrecking to either rebuild or stabilize it.</p><p>DCED has now rejected both of those options in its review of what could be done to minimize the adverse effects on the environmentally sensitive floodplain and wetland area surrounding the bridge. DCED also rejected the option of doing nothing.</p><p>In a public notice published Tuesday, DCED said of its determination, &#8220;This project would eliminate a hazard which could affect the free flow of the Susquehanna River.&#8221;</p><p><a href="https://www.timesleader.com/news/636815/plans-to-tear-down-deteriorating-coxton-railroad-bridge-over-susquehanna-approved" target="_blank">The redevelopment authority in February approved taking back the bridge</a> so it could be torn down. The stone pillars supporting the bridge sustained damage during 2011 flooding. LAG, which planned to scrap the structure and sell the steel, said it did not have the funds to pay for demolition.</p><p>LAG Wrecking was affiliated with Leo A. Glodzik III. The former towing contractor for Wilkes-Barre is serving a 30-month federal prison term for his guilty plea to charges of mail fraud and filing a false tax return. His sister, Pilar, president of the company, agreed to sign over ownership of the bridge to any government entity to complete the demolition.</p><p>Andy Reilly, executive director of the redevelopment authority, said a few hurdles remain before the project can begin. DEP must issue permits, and the redevelopment authority must secure access so that heavy equipment can get to the site.</p><p>Reilly added the redevelopment authority is partnering with the county Flood Protection Authority on the demolition that could possibly begin later this summer.</p><p><ins>For other local news stories, <a href="https://www.timesleader.com/category/local" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">click here</a>.</ins></p><style>
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<div class="neCaption">The state Department of Community and Economic Development has determined demolition of the Coxton Railroad Bridge over the Susquehanna River between Exeter and Duryea is the best option to eliminate a possible flood hazard. The agency is reviewing an application by the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for $1 million to pay for the work. </div></div><div class="metaInfo"><photo0>https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/web1_TTL082615bridge.jom_-1.jpg</photo0><caption0>The state Department of Community and Economic Development has determined demolition of the Coxton Railroad Bridge over the Susquehanna River between Exeter and Duryea is the best option to eliminate a possible flood hazard. The agency is reviewing an application by the Luzerne County Redevelopment Authority for $1 million to pay for the work. </caption0><photoCredit0></photoCredit0></div></div>
<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>By Jerry Lynott</p><p>jlynott@www.timesleader.com</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><factboxMeta><p><strong>COMMENTS TO DCED</strong></p><p>The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is accepting written comments on its determination that demolition of the Coxton Railroad Bridge is the best option to eliminate a potential flood hazard in the Susquehanna River.</p><p>The deadline to submit comments is June 21. Send them to:</p><p><strong>Department of Community and Economic Development</strong></p><p><strong>400 North St.</strong></p><p><strong>4th Floor Commonwealth Keystone Building</strong></p><p><strong>Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225</strong></p><p><strong>Attn: Jon Cherry, Economic Development Analyst</strong></p></factboxMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Reach Jerry Lynott at 570-991-6120 or on Twitter @TLJerryLynott.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

State agency recommends demolition of Coxton bridge