The Park Road Bridge in Wyomissing, Berks County, has been renamed in honor of Joseph Walker, a PennDOT worker who was killed in the line of duty over 50 years ago. The bridge will now be known as the Joseph Walker Memorial Bridge. Walker was killed in 1971 while placing construction cones on a highway within PennDOT District 5. The renaming ceremony was held on Thursday (September 12).
Walker's granddaughter, Joanie Radiosky, expressed her gratitude for the honor bestowed upon her grandfather. "I would like to thank the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and PennDOT for this wonderful honor for my grandfather, Joseph Walker. He was a very sweet, loving man," Radiosky said at the ceremony. She also urged motorists to be mindful of road workers, stating, "People just have to stop being in such a hurry to get places, take your time. Think of the other people that are around you. You’re not the only person on the road, think of others, think of their safety, think of their families." according to the Republican Herald.
The renaming of the bridge is part of an initiative by PennDOT to memorialize workers who have died in the line of duty. The initiative required legislation, which was signed by Governor Josh Shapiro last year. The Park Road Bridge was chosen by Walker's family due to its beauty and location, and because most of Walker's relatives live in Berks County.