South Whitehall commissioners have awarded a $443,814 bid for road paving to Lehigh Valley Site Contractors.

Paving projects include Springhouse Road from Walbert Avenue to Kilmer Avenue; Winchester Road from Cedar Crest Boulevard to Springhouse Road; Winchester Road to N. 39th Street and Manchester Road; and Girard Avenue from Whitehall Avenue to Mauch Chunk Road.

Township Manager Howard Kutzler noted, during the board’s July 20 meeting, the work is expected to begin in September.

“Generally they keep one lane open,” Kutzler said. “There will be a lot of flagging.”

He reported the Northeast Extension of the PA Turnpike will be shut down in 2018 for replacement of the bridge over Crackersport Road.

Motorists will have to detour through the township. Most of the time, the work is in progress from midnight to 6 a.m.

In other matters, Kutzler said the Greenawalds Fire Company will help with removal of debris on top of Wehr’s Dam.

Parks and Recreation Manager Randy Cope explained seven or eight ash trees are being removed to make way for the pedestrian bridge of the Jordan Greenway at Covered Bridge Park.

He said lighting improvements at Fernwood Park, Grand View and South Whitehall Chase are well underway, and the entry signs at Covered Bridge Park are in the process of installation.

Cope said 278 children are participating in the summer playground program this year.

Police Chief John Christman reported he has received many favorable comments from the public regarding officers’ service.

“We have great support among all citizens,” Christman said. “People stop by to say they care.”

Looking ahead to winter, the board approved the purchase of two snowplows at a total cost of $22,290.

Kutzler said the plows are 48 inches high and 10 feet long.