Motorists crossing the bridge from Coplay to Northampton will soon notice some relief in their wait times.

A meeting held last week between Northampton Borough officials and PennDOT representatives resulted in an agreement to change the timing of the traffic signal at Ninth and Main streets.

The change, which could take place in as little as two weeks, is designed to give a longer green light to those crossing the bridge into Northampton.

"PennDOT will add more seconds to the traffic light for vehicles east and west at the intersection," Northampton Borough Manager Gene Zarayko said. "The time will be taken from vehicles north and south on Main Street at the intersection."

The present traffic light timing sequence is a problem for motorists from 4 to 6:30 p.m. weekdays. Adding to the issue are vehicles coming down the hill on Ninth Street in Northampton approaching the bridge and either traveling to Coplay or turning north on Main Street and continuing through in Northampton. PennDOT will not permit a green arrow at the traffic light for drivers turning north onto Main Street.

PennDOT officials say there is an insufficient amount of traffic volume to warrant a change, Zarayko said.

Traffic waiting on Main Street south of the intersection to turn left onto the bridge also has experienced backups.

The borough sought changes at the intersection when the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge was closed for construction in Janurary.

Since the closure, the only noticeable impact in Northampton is the backup of traffic at Ninth and Main streets in the late afternoon and early evening, officials said.

The bridge closing has impacted Coplay, however. Officials are looking to change the detour to avoid another accident like the one which took out the traffic light on Chestnut Street.

The Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge project is expected to take two years after which the Coplay-Northampton Bridge will be rebuilt with a turning lane at the Northampton end.