A two-story structure in Fullerton has now been reduced to a pile of rubble to make way for the widening of Third and Grape streets.

Whitehall Township five months ago received bids for the demolition of the building that once served as a residence and, in recent years, as a real estate office.

The removal of the two-story frame building at Third and Grape streets is just the first phase of the project.

According to Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., the next phase will involve widening the roadway at the intersection.

However, Hozza does not expect the widening to take place until 2014.

The low bidder for the demolition of the building submitted a $15,500 bid. The high bid came in at $29,950, still within the budget for the work.

Widening of Grape Street is considered a priority by the township.

The intersection at Third and Grape streets is a vital link to MacArthur Road commercial entities, in particular to the Lehigh Valley and Whitehall malls.

The projected road widening will improve traffic flow and keep vehicles from stacking up while approaching the intersection, township officials said.

PennDOT, which has jurisdiction over Third Street, has to come aboard with the widening project because Grape Street is not a state road.

A similar project took place earlier in West Catasauqua at an intersection which also funneled traffic to and from MacArthur Road businesses.