HARRISBURG – Construction has begun on the bridge along Buckery Road in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, because of a $541,000 state grant secured by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-16).
The funding will be used to construct the new bridge, pave the bridge and include guiderails, stream diversion, grading, site restoration, erosion and sediment control.
“I’m so thankful that access has been restored for emergency response vehicles so they’re able to help people in crisis sooner. It will also alleviate traffic that has been diverted to other areas and give motorists a more direct route to their destinations,” Coleman said. “As if that news isn’t positive enough, it will also improve drinking water for families who are downstream. This is a wonderful example of a project that should receive state support.”
Tropical Storm Isaias inflicted severe damage on the bridge, which has been closed to residents since 2020. The damage caused debris and sediment to fall into Jordan Creek, which supplies drinking water for downstream communities.
“State funding is most effective when it directly improves the daily lives of our constituents. The reconstruction of the Buckery Road Bridge is a prime example of this—restoring safe travel routes, easing local traffic and protecting the integrity of Jordan Creek, which supplies drinking water to downstream communities,” said Rep. Gary Day (R-187). “It’s the kind of investment that reflects real care for both public safety and our natural resources.”
“Heidelberg Township is excited that construction is finally beginning to replace the Buckery Road Bridge! The township was awarded a grant to support the construction of a new bridge, which will improve infrastructure, enhance public safety and ensure reliable access for emergency services, residents and local businesses. This funding will significantly reduce the financial burden on the township while allowing us to replace aging infrastructure with a modern, durable structure built to enhance safety and reduce environmental impact. We extend our sincere thanks to Sen. Coleman, who was instrumental in helping us secure this grant and continues to be a strong advocate for our community,” said Dawn Didra, emergency management coordinator for Heidelberg Township.
The grant was awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos.
CONTACT: Robert Arena, 484-861-4964