As area motorists anticipate the reopening of one bridge in Lower Saucon Township, another bridge replacement project is being discussed.

Officials this week announced a public comment period through May 15 for a project that will involve replacing the 1956 Easton Road bridge across the east branch of the Saucon Creek with a new span, likely in 2028.

According to information shared by PennDOT, the current open grate bridge near Ringhoffer Road “is at or near the end of its design life.” Thirty-four feet long and 32 feet wide, it has an average daily traffic volume of approximately 5,100 vehicles.

Another issue with the existing bridge–which is of steel I-beam construction–is that due to its narrow width, it is unable to accommodate wide-turning vehicles from Ringhoffer Road, which intersects with Easton Road at the east end of the deck.

The proposed replacement bridge will consist of a precast concrete box culvert and have a width of approximately 42 feet, with two 12-foot travel lanes. The PennDOT website noted that the new bridge will not have bicycle lanes or walkways.

Other planned work within the scope of the project includes roadway approach, guide rail and pavement marking upgrades.

There will be a 7.5 mile detour in place while the bridge is out, which would utilize Cherry Lane, Route 412, Shimersville Road, Applebutter Road and Lower Saucon Road, according to PennDOT.

The current estimate is that the new bridge will be constructed between the spring and fall of 2028.

Easton Road is a major east-west route in Hellertown borough and the eastern half of Lower Saucon Township, where part of it is lined with warehouses on the city side of the border the township shares with Bethlehem. Ringhoffer Road connects Easton Road with Applebutter Road, where the Bethlehem Landfill is located. Consequently, there is significant truck traffic in the area, which is under some development pressure due to its proximity to the I-78 exit for Hellertown and Bethlehem.

Comments about the proposal may be submitted to PennDOT online through May 15, 2026. In addition to a project overview, visuals such as elevation sketches and photos are also available on the website.