Although progress continues on the replacement of the Hokendauqua Bridge, demolition of the existing steel grate bridge may be months away.

While it may appear the project has stalled since the existing bridge remains intact, progress is being made.

"We are on schedule," said Lehigh County Director of General Services Glenn Solt after attending a status meeting with the contractor.

"The contractors are using the existing bridge to cross, and are doing many jobs before having it come down," Solt said.

"It may be a month or months away before it is dropped," Solt added.

No explosives will be used.

Solt said the bridge "will fall rather fast into the water" where it will then be carted off.

A causeway has been constructed on both sides of the Lehigh River that permits construction equipment and workers to reach their job site.

The $11.8 million project to replace the bridge began in January and is expected to be completed by November 2014.

PPL was engaged for many weeks in erecting huge, heavy wooden poles and stringing wires. UGI and Northampton Borough Water Authority were also on the scene.