Heffley, Argall Remain Hopeful on Hemlock Drive Bridge Project
WEISSPORT – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) and Sen. David Argall (R-Schuylkill/Carbon/Luzerne) announced Wednesday the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will begin repairs later this spring on a local bridge in Carbon County.
The Hemlock Drive Bridge over Stewart Creek in Lehighton, which was built in 1925, was closed earlier this month. Initially, the bridge was to be closed until the project would begin in 2032. This closure was causing a significant negative impact to residents who use this bridge for their daily commute.
“After working steadfastly with Sen. Argall, representatives from PennDOT and different agencies, PennDOT was able to determine the bridge can be repaired, and the repairs will suffice until the bridge replacement project in 2028, which was originally scheduled for 2032,” said Heffley. “For all parties involved, it was extremely important to create a plan that would limit the impact on the residents and businesses in the community.”
PennDOT will begin repairs after they receive permit approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Construction should take approximately two to three weeks, and the one-lane bridge will reopen again.
“Thanks to collaboration between PennDOT, Rep. Heffley, the Carbon County Commissioners, and local officials, the Hemlock Drive Bridge will soon reopen for local drivers in Lehighton,” said Argall. “I’m thankful we were able to work quickly to address this issue, which would have put undue strain on nearby roads and caused delays for local first responders.”
For more information on the Hemlock Drive Bridge, please contact Heffley’s district offices at 610-377-6363 or 570-722-8700.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Huntre Keip
717.772.9837
hkeip@pahousegop.com
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