Black River Road Bridge Reopening Delayed

The reopening of a bridge in Lower Saucon Township has been delayed due to a supply issue, officials confirmed last week.

According to a township email update, PennDOT officials recently informed township officials that work on the Black River Road bridge near Rt. 378 has been delayed “due to a delay in the production and delivery of the bridge deck beams.”

When work on the new bridge commenced in early June, officials said they hoped the span would be open before the start of the new school year, however with Saucon Valley students set to return to class on Monday, Aug. 24 that won’t be the case.

“We understand this may impact travel plans and appreciate everyone’s patience as work continues,” the township’s Aug. 6 email said. “As PennDOT provides additional updates, we will share that information with residents as soon as it becomes available.”

The bridge being rebuilt was built in 1938 and carries approximately 2,200 vehicles a day across the Black River, according to PennDOT data.

While the bridge is out, Black River Road traffic is being detoured via Rt. 378, Seidersville and Hickory Hill roads, and Bingen Road. Additional traffic is also being seen on nearby east-west routes such as Saucon Valley Road, which also connects Bingen Road and Rt. 378.