There is both good news and bad news for the hundreds of motorists who daily use Lehigh Street in Hokendauqua or the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge.

Motorists are expected to receive at least a one-month reprieve – the bridge is expected to remain open through December, rather than shut down for construction as initially expected.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the reason for the delay is sewer interceptor construction taking place on Lehigh Street. The $1.1 million project involves laying large sewer interceptor pipes along the Coplay Creek, from the Eberhart Road facility to Egypt, and reportedly will take one month.

The bad news is Lehigh Street, from Front Street west, will be closed during the day, but open to traffic for the morning and late afternoon.

During the interim, work will begin full speed on utility, water, electric and gas lines in the area where the bridge construction is to take place.

"That's what we're told," Hozza said.

The mayor said a meeting was held recently with PennDOT officials. North Catasauqua was represented by Mayor William Molchany and a council member. Hozza and township Surveyor Carl Lagler represented Whitehall Township. Lehigh County was also aboard.

HRI Contracting Co., State College, was awarded the $11,860,665 contract to demolish the present steel grate bridge and erect a new bridge. The work involves an improved access road to Water Street in Darktown and the demolition of an old brick apartment structure.