Vandals Target Closed Nanticoke Bridge, Costing Taxpayers Thousands

County officials plan to install security cameras to deter further damage to the aging infrastructure.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 10:23pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged metal fence panel, the harsh flash creating dramatic shadows and highlighting the rough, weathered texture of the damaged material, conceptually representing the vandalism targeting the closed Nanticoke Bridge.Vandals' repeated attacks on the closed Nanticoke Bridge have forced county officials to invest in security measures to protect the aging infrastructure.Nanticoke Today

The Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania has been shut down for over a year as crews wait to begin repairs. In recent months, the closed bridge has become a target for vandals, with fencing meant to block access being torn down four times, costing taxpayers thousands of dollars. County officials are now working with the Nanticoke Police Department to increase patrols and install security cameras to deter further damage to the aging infrastructure, which engineers have warned could collapse under its own weight.

Why it matters

The repeated vandalism of the closed Nanticoke Bridge has become a significant financial burden for taxpayers, as the county must continually repair the fencing and security measures. Beyond the monetary cost, the bridge's structural integrity is also at risk, potentially endangering first responders if the bridge were to collapse. Addressing this issue is crucial for public safety and responsible use of public funds.

The details

Luzerne County Manager Romilda Crocamo stated that the fencing meant to block access to the closed bridge has been torn down four times, costing thousands of dollars. To combat the vandalism, the county is working with the Nanticoke Police Department to increase patrols and install security cameras. Nanticoke Police Chief Michael Roke noted that the vandals could face charges such as criminal mischief and trespassing if caught.

  • The Nanticoke/West Nanticoke Bridge has been shut down for over a year as crews wait to begin repairs.
  • In recent months, the closed bridge has become a target for vandals.

The players

Romilda Crocamo

Luzerne County Manager, who stated that the county must spend more money on security measures and work with the Nanticoke Police Department to address the vandalism.

Michael Roke

Nanticoke Police Chief, who said the vandals could face charges such as criminal mischief and trespassing if caught.

Kathy Evans

A Nanticoke resident who expressed her disappointment with the vandalism, stating that it is a "disgrace" and a "burden to the city".

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, we have to spend more money. We have to get cameras. We're working with the Nanticoke Police Department to do more patrols, and we have a plan.”

— Romilda Crocamo, Luzerne County Manager

“I think it's a disgrace. I say, those people, whoever they are, if they're not already paying taxes are going to have to pay taxes too, and it's a burden to the city.”

— Kathy Evans, Nanticoke Resident

“They could certainly get criminal mischief for damaging the fence and trespassing for going through and being on the bridge, and they will be arrested if they are caught.”

— Michael Roke, Nanticoke Police Chief

What’s next

The county is in possession of the security cameras and plans to install them soon to deter further vandalism and protect the structural integrity of the closed Nanticoke Bridge.

The takeaway

The repeated vandalism of the closed Nanticoke Bridge has become a significant financial burden for taxpayers, and it also poses a safety risk if the aging infrastructure were to collapse. By installing security cameras and increasing police patrols, the county is taking necessary steps to address this issue and protect the public's investment in the bridge's repair.