Construction of an addition to the Borough of Northampton's fire station on Lerchenmiller Drive may finally get underway, borough Manager Gene Zarayko reported recently.

The cost of the project is $546,086. Miller, Miller & McLachian has been appointed as the general contractor for the addition project. Its bid was accepted at $389,000. Three other firms were awarded contracts, one for fire protection electrical/heating/ventilation and air conditioning.

The funding for the addition comes from a bond issue, a wrap-around loan with a previous debt payment. The overall borrowing by the borough included Laubach Avenue improvements, playground equipment and other small projects.

Borough council, the administration, the mayor, firefighters and fire police held a groundbreaking ceremony for the addition last fall. The addition will be erected on the east side of the present station. The ceremony was held before bids for the project were opened or awarded.

After the ceremony, there was an opening of construction bids, review of the bids by the borough engineer, acceptance of low bids by council and some paperwork and review of last minute details. During the ensuing weeks, the borough had expectations construction of three bays and a training room would begin before the end of 2013.

Zarayko said an onslaught of bad weather, snow, ice and freezing temparatures stalled the construction. Should weather conditions improve, which Zarayko said seems likely, construction could begin soon. He declined to provide a start date, however.

According to Zarayko, the completion of the more than $500,000 addition will be completed and occupied before 2014 is over, much sooner if the weather cooperates.

The fire station is across from the borough recreation center and next to the public works building.