Design work for the new Cementon-Northampton Bridge has begun.

However, it could be several years before the new replacement bridge is constructed and the aging span demolished.

Whitehall Township Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. confirmed during a recent meeting design work for a new PennDOT bridge is taking place, but his office has no specifics available.

Hozza said it is his understanding that the present bridge, which crosses the Lehigh River, will remain in place and open to traffic while the new bridge is erected. Thousands of vehicles travel Route 329 and the bridge daily.

Inspection of the present bridge has occurred more frequently and reduced weight limits for vehicles have been imposed.

A tree off Canal Street in Northampton, which obstructed traffic near the bridge, was removed because it was a hazard for motorists turning left onto Rote 329 and the bridge.

While PennDOT has not released any timetable for seeking bids for the project, bidding should take place sometime after the Coplay-Northampton Bridge is replaced, which will not occur until 2016.

Hozza said the new bridge connecting Northampton with Cementon on the Whitehall Township side would be erected either north or south of the present bridge's location.

There is no word at this time if any private properties would have to be taken by eminent domain. Lafarge Cement is situated on a large tract on the south side of the bridge.

At present, repairs to the curbing are taking place during evening hours.

Emergency repairs could become more frequent as time goes on.