Springfield bridge a safety concern to neighborhood
Jul 01, 2024
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - For those who travel regularly through the North End, you may have noticed that the Plainfield Street bridge has been neglected for some time. City officials are demanding that state officials and MassDOT maintain the bridge and sidewalks better.
The bridge, which sits on Route 20, is a vital crossing for people entering the city or for those looking to get to and from work, school, or to the bus stop. The bridge is rusted, sprayed with graffiti, and covered in weeds and greenery making it difficult for pedestrians to walk on the sidewalks without having their view obstructed.
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Carlos Kelly is one of the many residents that live within the North End neighborhood. Over time he has seen this bridge deteriorate and decline and hopes that the city is able to do something about this run down bridge. He says that it's become a public safety concern.
"As far as the crosswalks I mean in the bridge is, it's not safe believe me I don't.... I see people riding their bicycles, but it's not safe, so therefore people might get hit cause they can't see the cars coming," said Kelly.
Kelly continued saying that the condition of this bridge puts many people a risk, not only pedestrians and bicyclists, but families with children who don't have cars that need to walk up and down this bridge throughout the day.
Springfield City Councilors Sean Curran and Maria Perez, who represent this ward, are working together to make this crossing safer for everyone.
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