ALLEN TOWNSHIP, Pa. — With millions invested in road improvement projects in and around the Lehigh Valley, one project now can be crossed off the list.
Northampton County on Monday announced completion of the Willowbrook Road bridge project.
The section of roadway near Catasauqua High School reopened to traffic on Jan. 3, the county said in a release.
"This project not only enhances the safety and functionality of our infrastructure but also reflects our commitment to investing in Northampton County's future."Northampton Executive Lamont McClure, in the release
The bridge, known as County Bridge No. 124, was constructed in 1958 as a steel I-beam structure with a metal grate deck.
The county said structural deterioration, along with a 20-ton weight restriction, landed the bridge in the Public-Private Partnership Bridge replacement program.
According to the release, the plan for a new, pre-stressed concrete box bridge was completed in July 2023, but underground utilities needed to be relocated prior to construction.
The bridge closed to traffic on July 8, with construction beginning July 29. Construction included new cast-in-place concrete abutments, paving and guiderail installation.
'Investing in Northampton county's future'
"We are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Willowbrook Road Bridge, which is vital for local transportation and community connectivity," Northampton Executive Lamont McClure said in the release.
"This project not only enhances the safety and functionality of our infrastructure but also reflects our commitment to investing in Northampton County's future."
Willowbrook was among 33 deficient bridges to be replaced or rehabilitated by the county through a 14-year, $27.5 million arrangement.
Twenty-eight bridges will be replaced and five rehabilitated, including four stone arch bridges, some of which were more than a century old.
The Northampton County Bridge Renewal Program is modeled after the Pennsylvania Rapid Bridge Replacement Project, a $1.118 billion, 25-year project replacing 558 bridges throughout the stage.
Willowbrook Road runs from its intersection at Race Street and goes over Catasauqua Creek at West Bullshead Road.
