Route 412 Widening Project Update

The Borough of Hellertown announced updates for the Route 412 widening project in Bethlehem in Hellertown.

The Interstate 78 east and west ramps are nearing completion and additional work will be performed in conjunction with the ramps, including median work, traffic signals, highway lighting and signing, Hellertown Borough said on its Facebook page.

The northbound lane of Route 412 was completed in November 2014 and HRI, Inc. switched traffic into the northbound lanes in order to complete construction on the southbound roadway. Construction on the southbound roadway includes removing curbing and sidewalks, installing sewage and water lines, storm drainage pipes, inlets and manholes, according to the borough.

The middle section of the project, from Commerce Center Boulevard to Shimersville Road, is focusing on the Saucon Creek Bridge. The bridge construction will be performed in three phases: northbound, southbound and median.

The northbound foundation and structure work on the bridge is nearing completion, the borough said. HRI, Inc. anticipates setting pre-stressed concrete bridge beams in March and the concrete bridge deck on the northbound side in April.

According to Hellertown Borough, HRI, Inc. plans on switching traffic to the northbound roadway and bridge by summer 2015, allowing for construction of the southbound side of the bridge and roadway.

In the northern section of the Route 412 widening project, from Shimersville Road to Daily Avenue, HRI is working to remove the current roadway and constructing new sewage lines and storm drainage on the southbound side. The contractor hopes to complete the southbound roadway by fall 2015, the borough said.

Additionally, while Lynn Avenue is undergoing construction the west side of the avenue will be detoured.

The project, which began on March 28, 2012, is intended to reduce congestion and increase safety for the 20,750 vehicles travelling Route 412 each day, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The estimated completion date is fall 2016.