The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is in the process of despoiling a scenic and ecologically significant site in our area for the so-called Milepost A89 Hawk Falls Bridge Replacement Project along the Northeast Extension.

The project will replace two bridges in Carbon County, including the Hawk Falls Bridge along the turnpike over Mud Run and a nearby road bridge over Hawk Run on Route 534 in Hickory Run State Park.

Construction is in progress, and the project area at the eastern end of Hickory Run State Park has been stripped of all vegetation, including mature healthy trees that helped to buffer the surrounding natural areas from traffic noise and pollution. The Mud Run Natural Area, which adjoins the project area, shelters a variety of plant species of concern unique to the Poconos.

The project area covers both Penn Forest and Kidder townships, yet neither municipality has raised any objections to this extravagant project, even though the project is of no benefit to local communities. Likewise, DCNR has been mostly silent on the matter, even though this project could have consequences for the park’s most outstanding natural area.

According to the Commission, the project will make way for “future roadway upgrades” such as the realignment and widening of the road through Hickory Run State Park. Given the explosion of warehouse development in the region, one might speculate these “upgrades” are designed to accommodate more heavy truck traffic in the area.

Despite its potential effects on one of our region’s most famous attractions, public involvement has been all but absent for this project.

Juliet Perrin

Albrightsville