Ralph D. Strubinger wasn’t able to personally see a sign renaming a bridge in Weissport in his memory.

But, the former Pennsylvania Department of Transportation worker’s family members can take great pride in knowing that his legacy will live on forever through all the motorists and pedestrians who travel the bridge daily.

PennDOT officials, state and local officials and the family of Strubinger gathered Tuesday afternoon at the bridge at 500 Bridge St. to unveil a sign renaming the Bridge Street Bridge as the Ralph Strubinger Memorial Bridge.

Strubinger was a PennDOT worker who lost his life on duty in October 1977 while working along Route 54 in the Lake Hauto area.

Sean Brown, PennDOT District 5, said the gathering marked an occasion for Strubinger’s family to have a bridge forever named in his memory.

Brown said it should also serve as a reminder to motorists that there are real lives out there, and to be safe so that they’ll never have to dedicate any more bridges to fallen PennDOT workers.

State Rep. Doyle Heffley spoke about Strubinger.

“We gather here today to honor the memory and legacy of Ralph D. Strubinger, a man whose life embodied service, community, and passion,” Heffley said. “A graduate of Mauch Chunk Catholic High School and a dedicated serviceman in the U.S. Army, Ralph was not only a proud veteran but also a valued member of the community.”

Heffley said Strubinger was a Fourth Degree Knight, a member of the Fairview Hose Co. and a loyal participant in the American Legion Post 304. Beyond his service, he said Strubinger was known for his love of hunting and fishing, and he generously shared his talent for fly tying with family, and friends.

“Tragically, Ralph’s life was cut short in 1977 while he was on the job,” he said. “Today, we remember not only Ralph’s sacrifice but also the 90 PennDOT workers and 45 Pennsylvania Turnpike employees who have lost their lives in the line of duty since 1970 and 1940, respectively.”

“These numbers remind us of the dangers faced by those who work to keep our roads safe,” said Heffley, who added that in 2023 alone, there were 1,216 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities. “Each of these incidents is a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance.

“As we dedicate this bridge in Ralph’s name, let it stand as a tribute to his memory and a symbol of our commitment to the safety and well-being of all workers. May this bridge remind us of Ralph’s dedication, and may it inspire us to honor the sacrifices of those who serve our communities every day.

“Thank you for joining us in this dedication and may Ralph’s legacy continue to inspire and guide us.”

Nancy McArdle of Jim Thorpe, the sister of Ralph Strubinger, said she and her family are forever grateful for the honor.

“It’s an honor and such a happy day,” McArdle said. “A bridge named after my brother, what an honor.”

George Strubinger of Jim Thorpe, the brother of Ralph Strubinger, praised all those who made the dedication in his brother’s name possible.

“I’d like to thank anybody involved who had anything to do with this,” George Strubinger said. “It is an honor for my sister and I to unveil this sign.”

Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein said the dedication was “a long time overdue.”

Nothstein added it’s a grim reminder of how quickly life can change in a moment’s notice, and that as a first responder, he knows what it’s like to be on the lookout for safety.