The Coplay-Northamp-

ton Bridge will remain open to vehicle traffic for a good chunk of 2016 before it is shut down for demolition of the existing 1930s-era bridge and construction of a new span.

Rick Molchany, Lehigh County director of general services, confirmed to The Press that the bid process will not begin for the bridge project until the third quarter of 2016. The project is still in engineering and design stages, which is the final work before bids are sought, Molchany added.

He said previously that demolition and construction bids being pushed back is an attempt to attract more bidders and possibly lower costs. Contractors working on large projects, such as bridges, have been busy as the economy is recovering.

Once work begins, much of it will initially involve utilities before demolition of the aging concrete bridge takes place. In any event, the work will take two years to complete. Molchany expressed confidence that such a schedule can be met.

One major factor is there will not be nearly as much work to do in the water as was the case down stream on the Lehigh River regarding the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge.

The base of the existing piers could possibly be utilized for the new construction project.

The cartway will be wider since sidewalks will be only on one side of the bridge, not on both sides as is the case with the current bridge. Upon entering Northampton, the bridge roadway will be further widened to permit a turning lane for vehicles.

No private property had to be taken nor structures demolished for the new bridge.

Once construction begins, traffic will be detoured to either the Cementon-Northampton Bridge or the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge.