PennDOT to close Linden Street bridge in Scranton on Wednesday

The Linden Street bridge in Scranton will close Wednesday to motorists, the state Department of Transportation announced.

PennDOT crews will shut down both lanes of the bridge between Seventh Avenue and Mifflin Street, spanning the Lackawanna River, rail lines and the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail for rehabilitation. The closure will remain in effect through the end of the year, according to PennDOT.

A detour using Seventh and Lackawanna avenues will be in place during the shutdown and pedestrian access will be maintained, officials added.

Last week, crews closed the eastbound lane of the bridge, with traffic detoured via North Seventh, West Lackawanna and Franklin avenues, and back to Linden Street on the east side of the river.

PennDOT District 4 spokeswoman Jessica Ruddy said Tuesday officials tried to keep the bridge open but decided to close it for the safety of drivers and crews.