The 1930s Coplay-Northampton Bridge scheduled to close to traffic later this year has been postponed until 2015, according to Lehigh County officials.

Motorists and residents in the two boroughs were expecting no further delays in the replacement of the bridge. Demolition of the existing bridge and construction of a new bridge was to begin in the fall, but was pushed back.

Lehigh County Director of General Services Glenn Solt said the bridge will be closed to traffic beginning April 2015. Solt added the new bridge is expected to open to traffic September 2017, much later than earlier reports.

Officials concede weather has played a part in the postponement of the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge.

In the interim, drivers will contend with present detours, after which in 2015, new detours will be set up before the bridge project.

The new bridge will have sidewalks on only one side. The walks on the north side are currently closed to pedestrians due to safety concerns.

The roadway on the new bridge will be wider and a turning lane is expected to be constructed on the Northampton side of the bridge, onto Main Street.

The present bridge was dedicated August 15, 1931, replacing a covered bridge.