Bridge Closing Will Inconvenience Drivers

Editor's Note: In this column, we look ahead to important issues that will face Upper Macungie residents next year.

Summary: that runs above Chapmans Road will begin undergoing PennDOT repairs for a 5 1/2-month period, beginning in March. Engineers from Keystone Consulting Engineers told that the bridge will be closed from March 13, 2012 to Aug. 6, 2012.

Outlook: PennDOT's initial estimate for repairs was two years, but crews will work 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week to shorten the repair time. Detours will be set up from Interstate 78 to Route 100 to Route 309 for truck traffic. No truck traffic will be allowed at the intersection of Chapmans and Ruppsville roads. A temporary stop sign will be placed at W. Tilghman and Farm Bureau Road for access into the Green Hills neighborhood and to facilitate a school bus stop.