The demolition of the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge, followed by construction of the new bridge which runs across the Lehigh River, is only a few weeks away.

Motorists will soon reach their destination via the Coplay-Northampton Bridge, the Pine Street Bridge connecting West Catasauqua in Whitehall Township, and further south using bridges linking portions of Whitehall to Race Street in Catasauqua.

Glenn Solt, Lehigh County Director of General Services, confirmed on Thursday the bid for replacing the steel grate bridge and two smaller ones, has been awarded to HRI Contracting Co., State College. The company was contracted for bridge improvements at MacArthur Road and Route 22.

With the emphasis on the large steel grate bridge, Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D.Hozza Jr. refers to the project as the "tri-bridges." The two smaller hump bridges east of the larger bridge include a span known years ago as a railroad bridge, since trains ran on the tracks beneath it.

"We are cleaning up details on the contract," Solt said. HRI will move onto the scene to begin work sometime in December and the project will take about two years, according to the $11,860,665 contract.

Utility work has begun. One brick apartment structure on Water Street will be demolished, the only building that will be torn down.

Several right-of-way property easements were obtained earlier. The new bridge will have a sidewalk connecting the two municipalities. When it's done, Solt said, the Coplay-Northampton Bridge will be replaced.