Northampton Borough officials were recently surprised to learn a small nondescript concrete bridge spanning the Coplay Creek will be demolished and a new bridge constructed in 2014.

Unlike most bridges, which have a name and a bronze plaque affixed to them, this bridge bears no such recognition.

Borough Manager Gene Zarayko told borough council at the Dec. 26, 2013 meeting that he received a letter from Northampton County informing him the bridge will be replaced.

"I was really surprised. The bridge is not that old," Zarayko said.

The lightly used bridge connecting Canal Street to Main Street at 10th Street is roughly 40 years old. While aging, the bridge is considered to be in good condition.

"It may be because of past floods," Zarayko said of why the county wants to replace the bridge.

Over the years there have been hurricanes and huge storms which spilled water from the Lehigh River and Coplay Creek, flooding Canal Street, Canal Park and other properties, causing damage to the bridge. In some instances, the floods not only closed streets in the area, but damaged a sewage facility.

Zarayko said he does not foresee any problems for motorists due to the removal of the bridge. Canal Street is a half-block north of the bridge and connects with Newport Avenue and Main Street. The bridge is near the steel pedestrian bridge on the south end of Canal Park.

It is expected the present bridge will be demolished in late 2014, after a construction contract is awarded.

The new bridge, which might be called the Canal Street Bridge, should open a few months later, possibly before the end of 2014.