November 30, 2018
Allentown, PA – The completion of the new bridge carrying Route 222 (Hamilton Street) over Cedar Creek in the City of Allentown, Lehigh County, has been delayed. Construction was anticipated to be complete in December 2018, as part of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. However, due to unforeseen geological site conditions and severe flooding, the new bridge completion is now targeted for August 2019.
The one-lane traffic pattern currently in place for north and southbound traffic through the work zone will be maintained until the construction of the new bridge is completed. Access for local businesses located north and south of the bridge on Hamilton Street will be maintained. Motorists can access these businesses southbound via a short detour along South 21st Street to Reading Road and Yocco Drive. Motorists can access businesses located north of the bridge by following a short detour along North Saint Elmo Street to Linden Street and North 20th Street.
In the event of unfavorable weather or unforeseen activities, this schedule may still change.
This bridge is referred to as JV-175 and is one out of the 558 bridges being replaced under the Rapid Bridge Replacement Project. JV references the joint-venture partnership between Walsh/Granite, which is leading construction for the entire project.
The Rapid Bridge Replacement Project is a public-private partnership (P3) between PennDOT and Plenary Walsh Keystone Partners (PWKP), under which PWKP will finance, design, replace, and maintain the bridges for 25 years.