Greater Philadelphia Bicycle News

13-Year-Old Boy Killed By Alleged Hit-And-Run Driver - Mother Calls On State To Fix Pedestrian Bridge

This bridge connects the 317 bus stop to the Cherry Hill Mall and has been out of service for 5 years, and now a 13 year old has been killed because of it. NJ DOT's initial response close off the median: that way riders of the 317 will not be able to get to the mall at all.

Had this been a highway bridge instead of a pedestrian bridge there would be no debate, the DOT would immediately find funds to fix the problem.

CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- A mother called on New Jersey officials to fix a pedestrian bridge over a busy highway after an alleged hit-and-run driver killed her 13-year-old son, NBC 10 reported.

A mother calls on New Jersey officials to fix a pedestrian bridge over a busy highway after an alleged hit-and-run driver killed her son.

Letitia Jackson's son, Wayne, was killed as he was trying to cross Route 38 at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday with some friends.
Area residents said there used to be a pedestrian bridge across the roadway, but it was destroyed in December 1999 when a garbage truck ran into it. Only the steps remain.
FeedRoom


Mother Talks About Son's Death




Letitia Jackson said she thought the bridge should have been replaced in 1999.
'I just want something done so my son doesn't die in vain,' she said. 'Five years, that's ridiculous.'
The commissioner of New Jersey's Department Of Transportation told NBC 10 that the state is considering a plan to replace the bridge, but it could take several years.
Investigators said the boy was heading toward the Cherry Hill Mall when a side mirror on a Mercedes struck the teen and knocked him to the ground.
That car stopped, but police say a second vehicle, which authorities don't have a description of, ran over the boy and kept going.
Police were still searching for the driver.
Copyright 2004 by NBC10.com. All rights reserved"