Bethlehem city officials unveiled the plans for the long-awaited Fahy Bridge rehabilitation prior to the council meeting in the Rotunda Feb. 16.

Photos, computer renderings and schematics were on display for public viewing and those involved with the project were on hand to explain details and respond to questions.

Project Manager Pete Mazzeo, of HNTB Corporation, said the Philip J. Fahy Memorial Bridge is of peculiar construction, which necessitates certain contingencies – from an engineering perspective – and precludes widening for additional walking space without causing structural problems.

But the rehabilitation will solve many longstanding issues and get this important piece of city infrastructure in good condition for the next 50 years.

More importantly to many, Fahy will remain open for use throughout the two-year project.

Mazzeo said the project is made up of three stages, and the groundwork for the first has already begun. Contractor JD Eckman, of Atglen, is shoring up the under-bridge to hold falling debris and utilities. But the real work is due to begin around March 1.

Stage one will close the northbound lane for complete refurbishment. While this work progresses though the 2016 construction season, one southbound lane will serve its purpose.

Stage two, beginning around this time next year, will repeat the process on the other side of the bridge – the southbound lane will close for work while traffic will be consolidated in the northbound lanes.

Stage three will redirect traffic to two small lanes on the far sides of the bridge while the median is rebuilt.

The project also calls for redoing the intersections at both ends of the bridge and doing away with the curved merging lane on the northside to Center Street.

The contractor’s schedule is tight, and there is hope the stages will overlap for faster completion. PennDOT Area Construction Engineer Darren LePage said, “We should be outta here by the end of 2017. That’s our goal.” Though he added, “Don’t hold us to that,” should complications arise.

Detours for foot traffic and especially trucks will be marked. Heavy vehicles and those more than 10 feet wide will be redirected during some stages, and PennDOT is coordinating with Bethlehem Area School District to accommodate buses, which should be able to transverse the bridge with care.