Work has begun on a small span on Lehigh Street.

The small bridge is sandwiched between two major road and bridge construction projects – safety improvements to Route 145/MacArthur Road and the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge replacement project.

Work has been accelerated over the past three weeks on the small span over the Coplay Creek.

Large pipes for drainage and water flow were constructed and put in place, expected to be a major improvement in alleviating flooding of the park and Lehigh Street.

At present, a temporary road is being constructed that will divert vehicles off Lehigh Street to a small stretch so the old deteriorating bridge can be removed and a new bridge constructed.

Traffic flow has not been severely impaired. Traffic flag personnel keep the traffic moving, as traffic is restricted to mostly one-lane schedule during the day.

Shaun Young, public relations director for PennDOT, said the new bridge should be completed and open to traffic before the year ends, possibly as early as November.

Construction equipment and crews have set up a staging area on the south side of Lehigh Street.