Tri-axle trucks rumbling through the east end of Northampton, across Dry Run Creek Bridge, en route to Allen Township, will now have to utilize a roadway earlier approved by the township.

The Northampton Borough Council voted unanimously to set a weight limit for trucks crossing Howertown Road onto Dry Run Creek Bridge at 20 tons following the recommendation of Borough Manager Gene Zarayko.

Zarayko said he consulted the police department, school district and engineers before coming to council with the recommendation.

"No warning," Councilman Anthony Lopsonzki Sr. said, mentioning drivers of trucks exceeding the limit posted should receive a ticket.

The trucks mostly are coming through the borough and township from out-of-state, mainly New Jersey.

Zarayko said the bridge presently has no weight limit posted.

"When we repaved Howertown Road, north of Fourth Street, I complained about the amount of tri-axles using this road to access a quarry in Allen Township," he said.

Zarayko informed council that "Allen Township, in permitting this dumping, has approved a roadway to be used."

The route approved by Allen Township is north on Airport Road to Route 329, to Savage Road, westbound, and then south onto the quarry site.

Zarayko explained the boroughs concerns.

"Many of the trucks are taking a shortcut through Catasauqua and down Howertown Road to 10th Street," he said. "This route takes them across the Dry Run Bridge, which is fragile. The heavy trucks could eventually damage the bridge to a point that it would have to be replaced at great expense to the borough."

Zarayko said that building a new bridge could cost between $250,000 and $300,000.

With council's approval, Zarayko said the ban for trucks over 20 tons is in force.

Trucks stopped will require the drivers to provide police with a bill of lading, which shows the weight of the truck and its load.

Zarayko did not rule out having scales and a weight team, as does Whitehall Township, where tri-axle trucks from out-of-state and local dumps fill at a private quarry off West Coplay road and Columbia Street.