Upper Milford Supervisors authorized the release of bid requests for the replacement of the Yeakel's Mill Bridge at their Oct. 2 meeting, with the understanding work will take place between January and March 2015.

DeLong said the larger than usual window of time has more to do with winter weather issues than anything. He estimates the job could be accomplished in about three weeks. He also pointed out contractors will find the job more attractive because of the usually slow period of its placement and not be deterred by potential weather related delays.

DeLong estimated the township is expecting between five and as many as eight bids on the project. The bridge has not been refitted in 70 years; some of the beams are rusted, DeLong said, and the stonework is "marginal."

By next year the entire bridge will be gone and a new construction of steel beams, wooden deck and bituminous paving will take its place. But work cannot begin until winter because of a colony of turtles adjacent to the bridge. The turtles will not be dormant until winter.

Destruction of the bridge may take place as early as December, but DeLong could not say with any certainty.

Township supervisors also approved a letter to be sent to Lower Macungie Township regarding the municipality's proposed zoning amendment for the property at 7785 Spring Creek Road, just at the intersection with Route 100. Lower Macungie Planning Commission has submitted a proposal to change the property's current semi-rural designation to a commercial one.

The letter, from Upper Milford Planning Coordinator Brian Miller, expressed concerns about the property's suitability for a commercial zoning designation. Miller's letter states commercial activity on the property may be too "intensive."

Supervisor Rob Sentner read the letter aloud and complimented Miller on its composition before acquiring a round of ayes from the other supervisors showing agreement with its content.

Prior to the regular meeting a brief public workshop was held during which the emergency management plan was the chief topic of discussion. Sentner was in favor of moving forward with formally approving the plan by resolution and having something concrete on paper for emergency situations. George DeVault agreed, pointing out it could be adopted formally and revisited later to update those items requiring constant or regular attention.

During the regular meeting, then, the plan was adopted by formal resolution. Sentner also pointed out township supervisors will regularly review the plan on a set date each year.

The workshop meeting also saw a discussion of traffic control in the township. Sentner reported, based on a recent meeting he attended with members of the Southwestern Lehigh Comprehensive Plan, PennDOT will not support any form of traffic solution without facts to base it on. The township will have to do the legwork.

The supervisors agreed DeLong will look into the potential costs of traffic studies, particularly on Route 29.

With conclusive information the supervisors will be able to come up with plans to address traffic congestion issues.