North End, Wilkes-Barre: A Historic Riverfront Neighborhood Anchored by Industry and Institutions

The North End of Wilkes-Barre is a distinguished residential district located just north of the downtown center, stretching along the scenic banks of the Susquehanna River. Historically, this area was shaped by the influence of the prominent Hollenback family, early settlers whose commercial ventures laid the groundwork for the neighborhood's development from farmland into a thriving community for mill workers and railroad employees during the industrial revolution. Today, the North End serves as a vital gateway to the city, known for its mix of stately Victorian architecture along River Street, the bustling medical corridor of Wilkes-Barre General Hospital, and its enduring identity as a resilient, working-class community.

Brandon J. Broderick, Personal Injury Attorney at Law, provides compassionate and effective legal counsel, fighting to protect your rights and to assist you in obtaining the compensation you are entitled to following injuries from a car, bus, work site, slip-and-fall, or pedestrian accident in Pennsylvania.

Points of Interest in the North End

The North End of Wilkes-Barre is a community defined by its deep historical roots and institutional landmarks. Stretching from the edge of the downtown district along the Susquehanna River, this neighborhood blends residential quiet with significant sites that tell the story of the city's development. From the resting places of coal barons to modern healthcare hubs, here are the top attractions to explore in the North End.

Hollenback Cemetery

For history enthusiasts, Hollenback Cemetery is a must-visit destination. Established in 1855, this sprawling garden-style cemetery is the final resting place for many of the Wyoming Valley's most influential figures, including coal magnates, Civil War generals, and industrial pioneers. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, offering a peaceful atmosphere for walking, while the elaborate Victorian-era monuments and mausoleums provide a fascinating glimpse into the city’s Gilded Age wealth. If you have been injured and need the assistance of a personal injury attorney near the Hollenback Cemetery, contact us for a free consultation.

Wilkes-Barre General Hospital

A cornerstone of the community, Wilkes-Barre General Hospital is more than just a medical facility; it is a historic institution that has served the region since the 19th century. Located prominently on North River Street, the hospital complex anchors the neighborhood's economy and daily life. Its long-standing presence has shaped the development of the surrounding blocks, which are lined with medical offices and support services that make the North End a regional healthcare destination.

North River Street Corridor

Driving or walking along North River Street offers a scenic tour of the neighborhood's architectural heritage. As the primary artery connecting the North End to downtown, this tree-lined avenue features a mix of well-preserved Victorian homes, historic mansions, and institutional buildings. It runs parallel to the river, providing glimpses of the water and easy access to the levee system, making it one of the most picturesque routes in the city.

Madison Park (Flood Park)

Located on North Washington Street, Madison Park—often referred to by locals as "Flood Park"—is the primary recreational hub for North End residents. This neighborhood park features basketball courts, a playground, and open green space for sports and community gatherings. It serves as a vital "third place" for the local youth and families, offering a safe and active environment in the heart of the residential grid.

Susquehanna River Levee Trail

The North End offers direct access to the Susquehanna River Levee Trail, a paved path that sits atop the flood protection system. Popular with joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers, the trail provides unobstructed views of the river and the mountains beyond. It connects the neighborhood seamlessly to the downtown River Common and the northern suburbs, serving as a recreational highway for outdoor enthusiasts.

Accidents in North End: What You Need to Know

The North End of Wilkes-Barre is a bustling district that balances a dense residential community with the heavy institutional traffic generated by the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital. As the primary northern entry point to the city, the neighborhood sees a constant stream of emergency vehicles, commuters, and hospital visitors navigating a historic street grid. This mix of urgent medical traffic and daily residential flow creates a high-risk environment for personal injuries, particularly along the major arteries that parallel the Susquehanna River. Those injured in the North End area may need the assistance of a Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, personal injury lawyer to pursue compensation for their injuries after an accident.

Vehicle Collisions and Hospital Traffic: North River Street

The most frequent and dangerous car accidents in the North End occur along the North River Street corridor, particularly near the entrances to Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

  • Congestion and Turning Hazards: This stretch of road is plagued by stop-and-go traffic as vehicles constantly enter and exit the hospital's various parking garages and emergency bays. Rear-end collisions are common here, as are side-impact crashes caused by drivers attempting to turn left across multiple lanes of traffic to reach medical appointments.
  • Emergency Vehicle Confusion: The frequent presence of ambulances and first responders navigating through heavy traffic often leads to erratic behavior from other drivers. Motorists failing to yield or making sudden lane changes to clear the way for sirens frequently cause multi-vehicle accidents near the hospital zone.

Intersection Accidents: North Washington Street and Butler Street

Parallel to the river, North Washington Street serves as a busy alternative route for locals, leading to frequent intersection car accidents, especially at cross streets like Butler Street.

  • Stop Sign Violations: Many of the intersections along North Washington Street are controlled by two-way stop signs rather than traffic lights. Accidents often happen when drivers on the side streets, finding their view obstructed by parked cars or trees, attempt to inch out and are struck by vehicles speeding down the main thoroughfare.
  • Speeding in Residential Zones: Drivers often use Washington Street to bypass the congestion on River Street. This increased speed in a residential area leads to severe collisions, particularly involving vehicles pulling out of driveways or turning into the local businesses that dot the neighborhood.

Premises Liability and Pedestrian Risks: Hospital Perimeter and Sidewalks

With a high volume of foot traffic from healthcare workers and visitors, the North End sees a significant number of pedestrian and slip-and-fall accidents.

  • Crosswalk Dangers: Pedestrians crossing North River Street to get from parking lots to the hospital entrance or nearby clinics face significant risks. Despite crosswalks, the heavy traffic volume and distracted drivers looking for parking spaces often result in pedestrian knockdowns.
  • Sidewalk Maintenance: In the residential blocks surrounding the hospital, aging sidewalks and street trees create uneven pavement. Trip-and-fall accidents are a common source of injury claims here, particularly for elderly residents or hospital visitors walking to nearby pharmacies and delis.

The presence of the city's largest medical center heavily influences the personal injury risks in the North End. The constant friction between urgent hospital traffic and commuter flow on River Street and pedestrian activity creates a complex safety landscape that demands heightened awareness from all who travel through the area.

If you’ve been injured in North End, the local attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, are here to provide skilled, compassionate legal representation and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Choose Brandon J. Broderick for North End Accidents?

Conveniently located to serve Wilkes-Barre, our office offers legal services for residents and visitors of North End and the surrounding neighborhoods.

Here’s why clients in the North End trust us:

  • Local Expertise: We understand the unique dynamics of North End as well as the most common types of injuries sustained in accidents in the area.
  • Proven Results: Our firm has recovered millions in settlements for personal injury victims across Pennsylvania.
  • 24/7 Availability: Call us anytime at (866) 314-3586 for immediate legal assistance.
  • No Upfront Fees: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay if we win your case.

Directions to Our Wilkes-Barre, PA, Office

Residents and visitors in the area can easily access our office, conveniently located near North End.

Address: 780 Hazle St Front, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18706 (serving North End and Wilkes-Barre)
Phone: (866) 314-3586

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation if you've suffered an injury in North End or Wilkes-Barre.

We provide dedicated legal support to accident victims throughout Pennsylvania and Wilkes-Barre, including neighborhoods such as Downtown, East End, Iron Triangle, Mayflower, Miners Mills, North End, Parsons, Rolling Mill Hill, South Wilkes-Barre, and The Heights. Don’t wait to receive the help you deserve—contact us today to discuss your case and begin the process of securing your compensation.