BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Lehigh Valley Health Network is moving closer to expanding its existing emergency department at 2545 Schoenersville Road.
The Bethlehem City Planning Commission on Thursday gave a 4-0 nod to the land development review for a three-story, 93,500-square-foot expansion with a rooftop helipad. Planner Thomas Barker was absent.
The “sizable building addition” is set for completion in October 2026, according to Brent Tucker, civil land development consultant with The Pidcock Co., speaking on behalf of LVHN.
The new first floor and its “state-of-the-art” emergency department with 83 beds — 69 of which would be for adults and 14 dedicated to pediatrics — would essentially double what’s on site now, Tucker said.
Once completed, the facility would have 153 beds across all floors with increased ambulance access.
The project involves the demolition of an existing medical office building on site and relocation of some access drives and expansion of existing parking areas, according to project documents filed with the city.
Temporary helipad planned
Tucker said the applicant currently holds clearance for a planned, temporary ground helipad on part of the campus’ northernmost parking lot, on an “under parked” area just below Route 22.
The applicant is pursuing proper credentials for approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration and PennDOT Bureau of Aviation regarding the new rooftop helipad and flight paths, respectively.
“That flight path down [Route] 22 and little jog over to the helipad reduces the neighbor complaints and annoyances to them with the helicopter noise."Brent Tucker, civil land development consultant with The Pitcock Co.
“That flight path down [Route] 22 and little jog over to the helipad reduces the neighbor complaints and annoyances to them with the helicopter noise,” Tucker said.
The project also includes an extension of the sidewalk along Schoenersville Road, proper land grading measures and more access for emergency vehicles.
“We’re proposing to reorient that and expand the canopy to get six ambulance loading-unloading spaces, and then repurposing the current patient parking to get six additional transport ambulance spaces — so big increase in ambulance service area,” Tucker said.
Additional communications will continue with nearby Lehigh Valley International Airport before construction of the addition, Tucker said.
Sidewalk, bus access
Planner Joy Cohen requested a new crosswalk for folks accessing the campus, walking from the northernmost lot.
Tucker said, "We can do that."
Planner Matthew Malozi, who’s also a member of the Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority Board, said:
“I recognize that LANTA is back in the Westgate Shopping Center now via 105 Route, so I would assume that’s a main point there as well, too — so another great reason for the sidewalk connection to be made at the existing pedestrian ramp at Schoenersville Road.”
