NorCo Council Gets Bridge Update

Though Northampton Couny's General Purpose Authority is overseeing a bridge project for the repair or replacement of nearly 30 county bridges, there are still a number of bridges the County is doing on its own. Last night, Public Works Director Mike Emili updated Council on these projects

The Mill St Bridge (#115), located in Bath, should be open to traffic in beginning of November "at the latest."

Another Bath area bridge on Stone Post Road (#118) along with a Plainfield Tp bridge on Sandt Rd (226) were closed in August for latex concrete modified overlays. Both re-opened to traffic early this month. A third bridge on Illick's Mill Road (#93) has to be done inphases because traffic is heavy in that area.  It should be complete by the end of October.

The Meadows Bridge in Lower Saucon Township is part of the Lehigh Valley-wide TIP. Emili said he expects to hear from authorities by the end of the year with a progress timeline.

Only 9 of 33 Bridges in NorCo P3 are Structurally Deficient

Northampton County has 119 bridges, and it's no secret hat many of them are in serious need of repair Several years ago, Council member Bob Werner suggested bundling bridges so that similarly constricted bridges could be worked on simultaneously. Former Executive John Stoffa liked Werner's idea, and in 2013, a $19.6 million bridge bond was floated to fix 16 bridges and make other improvements.

After Stoffa had ridden off into the sunset, the County replaced him with Executive John Brown. He was going to streamline county government, and claimed to have a better of fixing our bridges. he said that with a public private partnership, the County could fix or replace 33 bridges over the next five years, and for far less money. Ken Kraft had his misgivings, but the rest of County Council were sold. This is the same group of "conservatives" who voted to give the DaVinci Center $10 million for a giant fish tank in downtown Easton.

Now if you owned 119 bridges and could fix 33 of them over the next four years, it stands to reason that you would first go after the infrastructure that actually endangers the public. But it appears that public safety  was far less important to John Brown than making bridges wide enough for increased truck traffic.

Two bridges in East Allen and Allen Tps, one on Valley View Rd and the other on Willow Brook Road, are located quite close to the UPS Distribution Center under way in Allen Tp. Though both bridges are in great shape,with sufficiency ratings of 60.6 and 84.4, they are being replaced for wider bridges that will be better able to carry on commerce. Damn quality of life!

The spice must flow!

And so it goes with nearly every bridge. Only nine of the 33 are actually considered structurally deficient.But 28 are being replaced with wider versions that will enable rigs to make their way into every nook and cranny of the county. Brown even took it upon himself to ruin a scenic byway in Lower Mount Bethel, and ignored Supervisors and residents who complained. Even The Morning Call scoffed at the "little village" for daring to think that a rustic lifestyle matters more than commerce.

The spice must flow!

One of the bridges in Lower Mount Bethel actually has a sufficiency rating of 93.2, meaning it is in excellent condition. But it will be replaced by a wider bridge, enabling commerce. I have listed all 33 bridges below. Although a few of them are clearly unsafe and need to go, where are the other unsafe bridges? It.
 is clear that Brown's selection had nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with business.

The spice must flow!

Bridge 185 (built 1917) (Little Creek Rd, L Mount Bethel) is considered functionally obsolete because it is one-lane, but is not structurally deficient. It has a sufficiency rating of 64.8. Average daily traffic is 200 cars. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 41 (built 1946) (Little Creek Rd, Lower Mt Bethel) is neither functionally obsolete nor structurally deficient. Average daily traffic is 200 cars. There is a 20-ton weight limit. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 43 (built 1911) (Little Creek Rd, Lower Mt Bethel) is a concrete, arch-deck bridge that is rated functionally obsolete, but is not structurally deficient. It is considered stronger than most county bridges, but is single lane. According to Lower Mt Bethel resident Michele Szoka, any attempt to widen it will result in destruction of properties on either side, and will destroy flora and fauna in and around the creek. Average daily traffic is 350 cars. There is a 20-ton weight limit. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 44 (built 1957)  (Little Creek Rd, Lower Mt Bethel) is a steel-beam bridge considered neither functionally obsolete nor structurally deficient. Average daily traffic is 200 cars. There is no weight limit. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 195 (built 1927) (Little Creek Rd, Lower Mt Bethel) is a concrete-encased steel beam bridge that is rated both functionally obsolete and structurally deficient. It is single lane. I question whether it is really structurally deficient because the structural evaluation numbers are all 4 or higher. According to L Mt Bethel Supervisor Sandra Newman, the Township and a third-party engineer have determined the bridge is adequate. Average daily traffic is 150 cars. There is no weight limit. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 54 (built 1939) (Flicksville Rd,Washington Tp) is a concrete encased steel beam bridge with no restrictions and considered neither structurally deficient nor functionally obsolete. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 63 (built 1923)(Bushkill St, Tatamy Borough) is a concrete encased steel beam bridge considered functionally obsolete, but is still structurally sound, with a 16 ton weight limit. Slated for replacement.

Bridge 66 (built 1916, re-built 1949) (Lefevre Rd, Stockertown) is a steel beam one-lane bridge that is structurally fine but is considered functionally obsolete. There is a 15 ton weight limit. Slated for replacement. Average daily traffic - 250 cars.

Bridge 76 (built 1915) (Bowers Rd, Bushkill Tp) is a concrete slab one-lane bridge with no restrictions that is structurally sound but is rated functionally obsolete and will be replaced. Average daily traffic is just 50 cars.

Bridge 78 (built 1910) (Engler Rd, Plainfield Tp) is a concrete arch bridge that is structurally sound but is considered functionally obsolete because it is one lane and will be replaced. Ave. daily traffic is-200 cars

Bridge 119 (built 1920) (Valley View Rd, E Allen Tp) is a concrete slab bridge that is considered structurally sound but will be replaced because it is one lane and is considered functionally obsolete. Only 100 cars per day traverse this bridge.

Bridge 124 (built 1958) (Willow Brook Rd, Allen Tp) is a steel I-Beam open-grate bridge rated structurally deficient even though the structural evaluation is at #4 or higher. There is a 20-ton weight limit. The sufficiency rating is 84.4. Ave daily traffic is 200 cars. It will be replaced.

Bridge 138 (built 1946) (Club Rd, Moore Tp) is a concrete encased steel beam bridge that is structurally sound but is considered functionally obsolete and will be replaced, possibly because it is only 23' wide. There is a 20-ton weight limit. Average daily traffic is 150 cars.

Bridge 139 (built 1911) (Walker Rd, Moore Tp)  is a concrete arch one-lane bridge considered functionally obsolete and slated for replacement even though it is structurally sound with a sufficiency rating of 77. There is a 25-ton weight limit. Average daily traffic is 150 cars

Bridge 146 (built 1920) (Delps Rd, Moore Tp) is a steel I-beam one-lane bridge with a 9-ton weight limit with homes coming right up to both sides of the bridge. The average daily traffic is just 90 cars. Though only one-lane, it is not rated functionally obsolete. It is instead rated structurally deficient even though its structural evaluation is 4 and above. It is 16' wide.

Bridge 184 (built 1917) (Clearfield Rd, Bushkill) is a concrete encased steel one-lane bridge that is therefore considered functionally obsolete and will be replaced even though it is structurally sound. The average daily traffic is 150 cars. There is a 20-ton weight limit. 

Bridge 188 (built 1919) (Dogwood Dr, Lehigh Tp) is a concrete slab one-lane bridge with a sufficiency rating of 77.5 that will nevertheless be replaced even tough it is rated neither functionally obsolete nor structurally deficient Average daily traffic is 100 cars.

Bridge 189 (built 1922) (Ackermanville Rd, Washington Tp) is a 13-ton weight restricted concrete slab single-lane bridge considered both functionally obsolete and structurally deficient, with a sufficiency rating of just 18.1 It will be replaced. Average daily traffic is 200 cars.

Bridge 191 (built 1922) (Factoryville Rd, Washington Tp) is, like Bridge 189, a a 13-ton weight restricted one lane bridge. It is a concrete encased steel beam and is considered  both structurally deficient and functionally obsolete, with a sufficiency rating of just 17.1 It will be replaced. Average daily traffic is 400 cars.

Bridge 202 (built 1922) (Ott Dr, L Mt Bethel Tp) is a concrete encased one-lane steel beam bridge with a 20-ton weight limit. It is in excellent condition, with a sufficiency rating of 93.2. It is neither structurally deficient  nor functionally obsolete, yet it will be replaced Average daily traffic is 300 cars.

Bridge 205 (built 1927) (S. Cottonwood Dr, Lehigh Tp) is a 20-ton weight limited one-lane bridge of concrete encased steel beams that  is neither functionally obsolete nor structurally deficient, and has a sufficiency rating of 60.5. Its average daily traffic is just 100 cars. But it will be replaced.

Bridge 207 (built 1951) (Getz Rd, Plainfield Tp) is an 8-ton weight limited one-lane steel beam bridge.It is structurally sound and has a sufficiency rating of 64.6  Average daily traffic is 100 cars. But it is just 17' wide, is considered functionally obsolete and will be replaced.

Bridge 210 (built 1930) (Miller Rd, Lower Mt Bethel Tp) is a 23' wide, 13-ton weight limited concrete encased steel beam bridge with a sufficiency rating of 40.9. Average daily traffic is 100 cars. Though not considered functionally obsolete, it  is structurally deficient and will be replaced

Bridge 212 (built 1930) (Sand Pit rd, U Mt Bethel) is a 26' wide steel I-beam bridge with no restrictions. It is considered neither functionally obsolete nor structurally deficient and has a sufficiency rating of 76. Its average daily traffic is just 150 cars. Yet it will be replaced.

Bridge 215 (built 1929) (Rasley Hill Rd, L Mt Bethel) is a concrete encased steel beam bridge with a sufficiency rating of just 23. It is both structurally deficient and functionally obsolete.It is single lane and 20-ton weight restricted Its average daily traffic is 150 cars. It will be replaced.

Bridge 219 (built 1947) (Able Colony Rd, Plainfield Tp) is  steel beam bridge, 20'wide, with no restrictions and a sufficiency rating of 69.6. It is neither functionally obsolete nor structurally deficient. Average daily traffic is 200 cars. It will be replaced.

Bridge 224 (built 1945) (Fox Rd, Upper Nazareth) is an 18' wide single steel I-beam bridge with a 7-ton weight limit. These make the bridge functionally obsolete, but is is structurally sound and has an overall sufficiency rating of 73.6. Its average daily traffic is just 100 cars, but it will be replaced.

Bridge 227 (built 1958) (Knauss Rd, Bushkill Tp) is a steel beam open grate bridge, 22' wide, with a sufficiency rating of 73.4. It is considered neither structurally deficient nor functionally obsolete. Its average daily traffic is 150 cars. It will be replaced.

Bridge 15, also known as The Meadows Bridge and located in Lower Saucon Tp, was one of the few bridges slated for repair instead of replacement because of its historical significance. But a PennDot inspector recently discovered a serious crack and the bridge was closed. This bridge is being conveyed back to the county, and bridge contractor Kriger Construction will be compensated for the work it did. the County was fortunate to be able to include it in the Transportation Improvement Program, where 80% of the costs of a new bridge will be covered by the federal and state governments. The County will have to pay for the remaining 20%.   

Bridge 101 (built 1949) (Hanoverville Rd, Lower Nazareth) is a stone mason two-arch bridge with a 10-ton weight limit, although I routinely see large trucks ignore that limit. There are few weigh stations. it's a busy road, with a traffic volume of 1,000 cars daily. The bridge is considered functionally obsolete and has a sufficiency rating of just 22.2  This is a bridge that clearly should be replaced. Instead, it is getting some masonry work so it looks pretty as it collapses into Monocacy Creek. 

Bridge 157 (built 1964) (Evergreen Rd, Lehigh Tp) is a 28' wide concrete slab bridge with a 76.1 sufficiency rating. It is considered neither functionally obsolete nor structurally defective. It has no special restrictions. traffic volume is 350 cars per day. Safety improvements are planned, but it is unclear what they are.

Bridge 132 (built 1910) (Stone Bridge Rd, Allen Tp) is a 23' wide stone one-lane bridge with 3 arches. It has a 10-ton weight limit.its sufficiency rating is 38, and the bridge is considered both functionally obsolete and structurally deficient. It is on a quiet road, and only 30 cars traverse daily. Instead of replacement, the bridge will be repaired with stone masonry   

Bridge 143 (built 1839) (Glase Rd, More Tp) is a single-land stone-arched bridge with a 12-ton weight limit. Though its sufficiency rating has dropped to 33.7, it is still structurally sound. he average daily traffic here is just 75 cars, and an attempt will be made to rehab the bridge instead of replacing it.

* Bridge Lingo

Sufficiency Rating is essentially an overall rating of a bridge's fitness for the duty that it performs based on factors derived from over 20 NBI data fields, including fields that describe its Structural Evaluation, Functional Obsolescence, and its essentiality to the public.They range from 0 to 100.

"Structurally deficientt" means that the condition of the bridge includes a significant defect, which often means that speed or weight limits must be put on the bridge to ensure safety; a structural evaluation of 4 or lower qualifies a bridge as "structurally deficient".

"Functionally obsolete" bridges are those that do not have adequate lane widths, shoulder widths, or vertical clearances to serve current traffic demand, or those that may be occasionally flooded. A functionally obsolete bridge is similar to an older house.

"Structural evaluation" is a number for a bridge, based on its deck, superstructure, substructure, and culvert. Anything below a 4 is trouble.

Litigation Adds $1.5M and 1 Year to NorCo's Bridge Bundling Project

Att'y John Lushis

In October, Northampton County Council voted 7-1 to approve a bridge-bundling ordinance under which 33 of the County's 119 bridges will be conveyed to the General Purpose Authority (GPA) for repairs at 20-30% less than would be paid if the County were to do the work itself. In addition to being cheaper, Executive John Brown has argued that the work will be done more quickly.

County officials expected that the GPA would award the $31.5 million deal to Kriger Construction, located in Dickson City. Work was expected to start right away and take about four years, followed by a 10-year maintenance period. But at their January 5 meeting, Council learned that the project will be delayed at least a year. In addition, it will cost about $1.5 million more than anticipated. The County's annual payment over 12 years will increase $125,000.

"We haven't even started and we have a five percent increase," complained Ken Kraft, who has steadfastly opposed this project from the beginning.

But why? Is it concern over being low-balled or the use of an unqualified contractor, or does Kraft have some other agenda?

In addition to his duties as a Council member, Kraft is also the business agent for Painters Local 1269 DC 21. He is also a member of the Lehigh Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, a consortium of local trade unions. Though the only persons qualified to perform bridge repairs belong to a trade union, Kraft seems to be concerned that other unions will do this work, to the exclusion of Lehigh Valley trade unions.

Though nobody is talking, the County appears to be the victim of a turf war between Lehigh Valley and other trade unions.

One of two lawsuits challenging this deal, filed by Kevin Lott, demonstrates that the Lehigh Valley trades unions are opposed to Kriger's selection as the contractor. Lott is the business agent for the Lehigh Valley Carpenter's Union. He inexplicably withdrew his suit in November.

A disappointed bidder, Clearwater Construction, has filed another suit over the award, claiming that Kriger is unqualified and alleging irregularities in the selection process. Interestingly, Clearwater is represented by the same Allentown law firm that represented Lott.

Judge Craig Dally ruled in October that Clearwater lacks standing. His decision was appealed to the Commonwealth Court, where argument is tentatively scheduled for March. Kevin Lott, a Hellertown resident and trades union organizer, has also sued.

Ken Kraft is the sole Council member to vote No to this ordinance, even though one of the union painting that he represents, would be used by Kriger. Kraft had no comment, but has previously complained that Kriger is unqualified to replace bridges. He is also concerned that there will be cost overruns because Kriger low-balled the project.

Executive John Brown has previously touted this bridge bundling project, arguing in an interview with PCNTV that the County lacks "the capacity to do this" and that it's time to "stop pretending we're going to get to the bridge repair." He has claimed that PennDot sees this "a pilot project that, when successful, they'd like to probably roll it out to the other 66 counties in the state. We're very fortunate that the Federal Highway Administration is taking a look at our project as a model to roll out, potentially nationally."

Mike Bonini, director of PennDOT’s P3 project, has said that Northampton County is blazing a trail for other counties.

Brown told Council that, even with the delay and added cost, the project is in the County's best interest. He noted that Kriger's bid is still tens of millions of dollars less than Clearwater's. "I still stand by the contract," he said, noting that the agreement was written in a way to prevent what he calls "cost creep."

John Lushis, GPA's Solicitor, claimed that the litigation gave Kriger cold feet and that an agreement still remains unsigned, although he expects it will be in place next week. "This litigation has had a very significant impact, and it's not just the litigation ..., but it's been the actions that have occurred behind the scenes by certain people ... ." He called those actions "dishonorable" and "distasteful."

At one point, Lushis confronted Kraft. "You checked me out, I know that. Quite erroneously, in fact."

Lushis went on to say that he was confident that the Clearwater appeal, despite the delay it caused, will ultimately fail.

Brown the Bridge Builder

Irish bridge

At their October 20 meeting, Northampton County Council voted 7-1 to approve an bridge-bundling ordinance under which 33 of the County's 119 bridges will be conveyed to the General Purpose Authority (GPA) for repairs at 20-30% less than would be paid if the County were to do the work itself. in addition to being cheaper, Executive John Brown has argued that the work will be done more quickly.

County officials have indicated that the GPA is ready to award the $34 million deal to Kriger Construction, which is located in Dickson City. A disappointed bidder, Clearwater Construction, has filed suit over the award, claiming that Kriger is unqualified. Judge Craig Dally has ruled that Clearwater lacks standing, and his decision is under appeal. Kevin Lott, a Hellertown resident and trades union organizer, has also sued.

Ken Kraft is the sole Council member to vote No to this ordinance, even though one of the union painting that he represents, would be used by Kriger. Kraft had no comment, but has previously complained that Kriger is unqualified to replace bridges. He is also concerned that there will be cost overruns because Kriger low-balled the project.

Brown has touted this bridge bundling project in his race for auditor general. In an interview with PCNTV,he said he's been told, "You were able to come up with a solution that no one thought of before." He argues that the County lacks "the capacity to do this" and that it's time to "stop pretending we're going to get to the bridge repair."  He claims that PennDot sees this " a pilot project that, when successful, they'd like to probably roll it out to the other 66 counties in the state. We're very fortunate that the Federal Highway Administration is taking a look at our project as a model to roll out, potenially nationally."

Mike Bonini, director of PennDOT’s P3 project, said that Northampton County is blazing a trail for other counties.

Council President John Cusick commended Brown, calling it a "groundreaking" effort.

Matt Dietz was absent from the meeting.

NorCo Council Paves Way For Innovative Bridge Bundling Project.

John Lushis defends Kriger selection

Though Northampton County owns no public roads, it does own and maintain 115 bridges. According to a two-year old study by Keystone Crossroads, 25% of these county-owned bridges are "structurally deficient," meaning they need repairs or replacement. Three have been closed. Bridge repairs are costly. The County budgets about $780,000 a year for bridge maintenance. In 2013, then Executive John Stoffa persuaded Northampton County Council to float a $7.1 million bond that would only fix nine bridges. Three years later, Executive John Brown and Council are pushing an innovative proposal that might, in time, permit the County to fix all of its bridges at a much cheaper cost. It's called bridge bundling or P3, and is based on what PennDot is already doing with state-owned bridges.

Council member Bob Werner was an early promoter of bridge bundling, arguing that it is both cheaper and more efficient. But county officials were unsuccessful with PennDot. So John Brown decided to use the state law, called P3, to enable the county to take this project on itself. Basically, the County will convey 33 bridges in need of replacement or repair to the General Purpose Authority (GPA). That agency has already sought bids on the project, and is ready to award the $34 million deal to Kriger Construction, which is located in Dickson City.

Ken Kraft had numerous questions

An unsuccessful bidder, Clearwater Construction, sued over the award. It claimed that Kriger lacks the required PennDot pre-qualifications and that there was improper influence. But Judge Craig Dally ruled that Clearwater, as a disappointed bidder, has no standing. His decision has been appealed, but Brown decided to move forward with the project. At their October 6 meeting, Council voted 7-0, with Ken Kraft abstaining, to adopt a resolution approving the bridge bundling project with GPA. They also introduced an ordinance formalizing the arrangement

Kraft abstained because one of the union companies he represents does the painting for Kriger.

Shawn Langan, who chairs the GPA, told Council that PennDot was engaged in the selection process.

But did Kriger low-ball the County, i.e. give an artificially low bid to get the work and then have cost overruns? Its bid is $36 million, about half of what Clearwater wanted.

Brown stated that is unlikely because he hired an independent engineering firm, Alfred Benesch and Company, to vet any requests for additional money. John Lushis, GPA's Solicitor, said he went through "painstaking" efforts to insure that cost overruns will be minimized.

Lushis also answered questions about Kriger's qualifications. "Kriger is known as PennDot approved prime contractor," he said, noting that he spoke twice with PennDot and was assured that Kriger is qualified.

In addition to being qualified, Lushis told Council that Kriger had better financing plans. Clearwater proposed financing its deal by having the county issue "certificates of participation" sold to the public, which leads to higher interest rates and a greater financial burden on the county. Kriger is using conventional financing. "[Clearwater] brought in a Lamborghini financing proposal when, essentially, a Buick would have been sufficient," he said. "They overfinanced it to death."

Glenn Geissinger pointed out that the Kriger proposal is $1 million per bridge cheaper than Clearwater.

Brown told Council this is only the beginning. "We're addressing 33 bridges, but we have 99 to repair," he said. He said that once this work is complete, the county should move forward with another bridge bundling project every five years until all bridges are repaired.

Ken Kraft noted that, under the proposed contract with Kriger, the County would have to pay for moving any utility that might have lines on a bridge. Lushis responded that no contractor would agree to bear that cost.

Kraft also raised questions about Kriger's bank, FNCB,claiming that Solicitor Ryan Durkin's father works there. Durkin responded that his father was a consultant there many years ago and was never employed by that bank. Kraft also asked, "Who owns FNCB? Louis DeNaples?"

Brown answered that he had no list of its stockholders.

In 2012, the Federal Reserve ordered DeNaples to resign as Chair of the FNCB because of perjury charges that were later dropped. In 2013, a federal appeals court ordered that he be reinstated, calling the Federal Reserve's decision "bizarre," "untenable" and "scatter-shot" enforcement of the law.

Council President John Cusick, a teacher, was absent from the meeting because he was meeting with parents of his students.

NorCo Hopes To Save Money (and Lives) by Bridge Bundling

At their March 3 meeting, Northampton County Council voted unanimously to take aim at one of the County's biggest concerns - its 119 bridges. What they passed is a bridge bundling program - first proposed by Council member Bob Werner over two years ago - that employs common designs with fewer contracts to improve our infrastructure more efficiently and at less cost. The legislation passed will bundle 33 bridges and convey them to the County's General Purpose Authority, which will administer what is called a P3 (Public Private Partnership) program.

This program is already being used by PennDOT to replace 558 structurally deficient state bridges, starting this summer. Using this P3 process, PennDOT believes the cost of a bridge replacement will drop from $2 million to $1.6 million.

According to a 2013 study of the County's bridges,

• Their average age was over 61 years, with some being over 100 years old.
• 22 bridges were "functionally obsolete," meaning they are no longer functionally adequate for the tasks for which they were originally designed.
• 27 bridges were "structurally deficient," meaning they have one or more structural defects that require repairs. 
• 37 bridges are load posted and weight-restricted.
• Three bridges have been completely closed to traffic.

In 2013,  Northampton County floated a $7.1 million bond that will only repair nine of these bridge.

The County sets aside $780,000 each year for bridge maintenance. A typical bridge rehabilitation projects takes from four to six years and costs between between $1-2.5 million.

"We don't do bridges well," noted Hayden Phillips.

Once bridge repairs are completed, they will be conveyed back to the County.

Executive John Brown added that the County will continue participation in the Commonwealth Twelve-Year Transportation Improvement Program (TYP), which will enable it to to tap into federal funds for infrastructure.

In addition to saving money and making the community safe, Kevin Lott of the Lehigh Valley Building Trades told Council it would provide 800 jobs, "good paying jobs to people that live right here in the Lehigh Valley."

Expect a New County Tax Soon

Thanks to the $2.3 billion Transportation Bill adopted by the folks in the land of midnight payraises, counties may impose an annual $5 registration fee on fees, which would be added on to the annual fee collected by PennDOT. This fee is being considered in Luzerne County and has been approved in Cumberland County.

Expect to see thisnew tax on the Lehighand Northampton County agendas soon.

One-Third of Lehigh Valley Bridges Need Repairs

According to National Bridges, there are 449 bridges in Northampton County. One-hundred sixty (36%) of them are either "structurally deficient"(one or more structural defects that require attention) or "functionally obsolete" (no longer  functionally adequate for its task). Lehigh County has 586 bridges, of which one-hundred ninety-seven (34%) are structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

Odds are better than one out of three that any bridge you cross in the Lehigh Valley has serious problems.

Lehigh County only owns 47 of these bridges. When he was Executive, Don Cunningham began an ambitious bridge repair program. He replaced four bridges and had major repairs completed or underway on 17 others by the end of 2010, with another four in design and engineering for imminent replacement.

But Northampton County was in denial. Though the County owns 117 bridges, something else always had priority.

Two years ago, Northampton County Bulldog Ron Angle warned, "Our bridges are in horrible condition, but nobody pays attention to bridges." At that time, Angle was contradicted by the County's bridge inspector, who insisted that our bridges are in "excellent shape."

He's singing a different tune now, is worried that the state might close some of them down, and has recommended immediate action for 18 of them.

Executive John Stoffa wants to spend $7.1 million for repairs and replacements of 18 of the County's worst-rated bridges. Last month, Executive candidate John Callahan agreed that bridges need more priority and supports a bridge bond in principle. Council member Lamont McClure, who ran against Callahan, stated on the campaign trail that he'd prefer "to budget year over year for bridge repairs." After all, a bridge bond might get in the way of McClure's promise not to raise taxes.

That's a recipe for disaster.

With two recent highway bridge collapses in the past week, we can no longer afford to play politics with our aging infrastructure.

Callahan Touts Economic Development at Martin Guitar

Bethlehem Mayor and Northampton County Exec candidate John Callahan stressed the importance of economic development today during a visit to Martin Guitar. Chris Martin, whose family has run the internationally renowned instrument maker for the past 6 generations, called himself a "big fan" of Callahan. He repeatedly urged people to vote for the Bethlehem Mayor, while Callahan complimented Martin's blend of new technology with old world craftsmanship.

Callahan's economic development theory is that government does not create jobs, but does create the atmosphere that makes jobs possible. In Northampton County, that atmosphere requires a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) director, according to Callahan, who called Executive John Stoffa's decision to allow that office to remain vacant a "mistake."  He also complained that the office, located "in the bowels of the courthouse" and next to a holding cell for prisoners, is an immediate turnoff to business prospects.

Callahan declined to say who he would appoint as new DCED Director, explaining it is far too early to discuss cabinet appointments.

In addition to stressing the need for a DCED Director, Callahan noted the need for infrastructure improvements. He noted that 17 county-owned bridges need serious repairs and would give them priority as Executive. He stated that, for that reason, he supports the concept o a bridge bond proposed by Executive John Stoffa.

One of the bridges slated for repairs, Bridge No. 90, is located in Bethlehem along Lehigh Street, right before the Fahy Bridge. County Council, last Thursday, authorized $195,150 for repairs to this "Priority 1" bridge, which crosses Monocacy Creek. That bridgework will likely coincide with Musikfest.

In addition to discussing infrastructure, Callahan emphasized a desire to rebuild store fronts and other small businesses whose vacant faces are a serious problem in Nazareth and other small boroughs. Callahan noted these small boroughs should be able to rely more heavily on County resources for redevelopment.

In closing, it should be observed that Callahan finished Saturday's 5k in 29 minutes, which means I could have beaten him if I had been up just 5 minutes sooner.

Parsons: "We Let Our Bridges Go to Hell"

Meadows Bridge

That was the reaction of Northampton County Council member Scott Parsons, after listening to consultants describe the status of the County's 117 bridges at yesterday's Finance Committee. County Council is considering a $19.6 bridge repair plan proposed by Executive John Stoffa.

Just a year ago, Engineer Don Keller told a dubious Ron Angle that our bridges are "in excellent shape." But now, 53 bridges need to be replaced, removed or rehabbed within the next three years. Ten of them are structurally deficient. Eighteen of them are box beam bridges similar to one that collapsed in Washington County in 2005.

The County's Liquid Fuels Tax only generates about $750,000 per year, not enough to pay the tab, especially since a big chunk of that pays for highway lighting. Nor can the County rely on the state's Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The state always finds a reason to remove county bridges, often without bothering to inform them.

This leaves just two choices - borrow the money or start closing bridges.

That's already happened in Hellertown, where a bridge crossing the Saucon Creek on High Street is closed.

In Hanover Township, a bridge crossing the Monocacy Creek along Bridle Path Road will be restricted from 25 tons to 5. No school buses. No firetrucks either, according to Keller.

Given this lack of emergency access, these restrictions could threaten a proposed Traditions of America Subdivision, with 204 homes for 55+ active adults. That plan was just approved by Hanover Township Supervisors last month.

KCB - NorCo's Only Covered Bridge

KCB, not to be confused with KGB, is the acronym by which people in the Northampton area refer to Kreidersville Covered Bridge.

Located in and owned by Allen Township, this 116' foot long wooden bridge was built in 1839, and is Northampton County's sole remaining covered bridge. It is also Northampton County's oldest bridge.

Northampton County uses some of its hotel tax money for maintenance by a dedicated group of volunteers, who made a brief presentation at last night's County Council meeting.

There are 211 covered bridges remaining in Pennsylvania, making it the covered bridge capiatla of the world.  Six are in Lehigh County. Its oldest, Bogert Bridge, was built in 1841.

Northampton County's Bridges in "Excellent" Shape

Northampton County Council member Ron Angle has long maintained that the County needs to pay more attention to its 117 bridges. "Our bridges are in horrible condition, but nobody pays attention to bridges," he said at a recent Council meeting. "Bridges don't vote." While that may be true, Keller Engineering's Don Keller, joined by Borton Lawson's Ken McClain, told Angle's Long Range Planning Committee on May 11 that "our bridges are in excellent shape."

After the Mississippi River Bridge collapsed in 2008, killing thirteen people, a study was released revealing that Pennsylvania led the nation in deteriorating bridges, which 26.5% of its bridges rated structurally deficient.

In Lehigh County, Executive Don Cunningham started an ambitious program to improve the condition of Lehigh County's 47 bridges, including the 4th Street and Linden Street bridges. He replaced four bridges and had major repairs completed or underway on 17 others by the end of 2010, with another four in design and engineering for imminent replacement.

But in Northampton County, according to Keller, only 6 of its 117 bridges are "structurally deficient." Although they've "outlived their usefulness," there's no sudden rush to replace them. "A lot of the time, the local people don't want the bridge replaced," explained Keller.

As an example, Keller cites the small Stockertown-Tatamy bridge, known as "Sinkhole Bridge," which collapsed in 2000. It was eventually torn out, and Stockertown Boorough Council likes it that way because it has reduced traffic. He also mentioned Meadows Bridge in Lower Saucon Township, a beautiful stone-arched bridge built in 858. "People love it," he said.

In coordination with standards set by the federal government, Keller explained that every County-owned bridge is inspected every two years. Those rated as "structurally deficient" are inspected every year, and repaired or replaced with liquid fuel tax money, as well as money periodically received from the federal and state government.

Keller told a dubious Angle that the "maintenance program is the key" to extending the useful life of many County-owned bridges.

Executive John Stoffa warned the Committee that Northampton and Lehigh County will soon begin work on two bridges they jointly own on Main and Broad Streets in Bethlehem. The total cost of repair for each bridge will be between $13 and $16 million, which each County kicking in 2 1/2% of the cost.

Photo: Council members Mike Dowd and Bruce Gilbert concerned about County bridges.

Is It Time to Abolish Joint Toll Bridge Commission?

New Jersey legislators may vote to do just that, according to The Express Times. That's their reaction to the latest toll increase, which goes into effect in July. By a 5-4 vote last night, Northampton County Council supports that idea.

Council member Ron Angle, proposing this measure, argued that the last toll increase drove businesses like Roadway and Estee Lauder away. Indicating that the DRJTBC was only supposed to exist as long as it took to pay for bridges crossing the Delaware, Angle pointed out that this agency is sitting on $400 million. "All we have been paying for is for politicians to run around and spend money," he said, noting it is a rest home for people like former County Executive Glenn Reibman.

Council member Mike Dowd argued that the resolution is premature and that turning these assets over to PennDot could be troublesome. John Cusick actually praised the Toll Bridge Commission, saying they were an excellent partner during his time as a Williams Township Supervisor.

Joining Angle in approving this measure were Ann McHale, Lamont McClure, Bruce Gilbert and Barb Thierry.

Fatal Tragedy at Linden Street Bridge Construction Site

The Morning Call has published an exhaustive account of today's fatal tragedy at Lehigh County's Linden Street bridge project. Lehigh County has issued a brief news release as well:

"At approximately 8:30 AM today, an employee of JD Eckman, Inc. was tragically killed when portions of a trench in which he was working collapsed. A second JD Eckman employee was injured during the incident.

"The contractors were onsite working in a trench at the west end of the Lehigh County-owned Linden Street Bridge. They were replacing duct lines at the west end of the bridge as a follow-up to the bridge’s replacement, completed last April.

"The bridge will remain closed while the Pennsylvania Occupational Safety and Health Administration investigates onsite, and is expected to be reopened today.

"There is nothing more important than the health and safety of our employees, and of those who work in and use our facilities. Our main concern now is for the family of the deceased and the speedy recovery of the injured contractor."

Previous posts concerning Linden Street Bridge repairs:

Linden Street Bridge to Close for Repairs

Linden Street Bridge to Open Officially on Wednesday

Browning Commends Cunningham's Linden St Bridge

Fourth Street Bridge to Re-Open Monday

Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham announced today that the county’s Fourth Street Bridge, connecting Fourth Street in Allentown and Fifth Street in Whitehall, will reopen to traffic by rush hour on Monday November 22.

Like many others, Don himself commutes in daily from that area and has himself been inconvenienced. But improving the county’s aging infrastructure has been a priority in his Administration. The bridge has been closed since June 21 for major structural repairs.

The $865,000 project included the replacement of all bridge support bearings, expansion joints, drainage system and other incidental work.

Angle: "Our Bridges are in Horrible Condition"

"I've been on Council eleven years. How long have I been complaining about bridges?"

"Eleven years."

That's an exchange between Northampton County Council Prez Ron Angle and Budget Administrator Doran Hammon during yesterday's Finance Committee meeting. It is an annual refrain.

Northampton County owns around 115 bridges, and repairs to one of them are being considered. Angle explained that Counties got into the bridge business because they have deeper pockets than many of the small municipalities. "The average bridge lasts 50-60 years. We must replace or repair two bridges every year or we'e going to end up having to do thirty at one time. Our bridges are in horrible condition, but nobody pays attention to bridges. Bridges don't vote."

Fortunately, one of those bridges, located in Lehigh Township, is being replaced this year. Liquid fuel tax funds can be used for bridge repairs, but only if they are 20' or longer. This bridge, which is less than 20', is being funded by bond money.

Exec John Stoffa noted that a bridge study is completed bi-annually. Stoffa and his Lehigh County counterpart, Don Cunningham, have made bridges a priority.

Lehigh Street Bridge Closed

The Lehigh Street Bridge, which connects Whitehall Township to North Catasauqua, is closed until further notice. According to a news release from Lehigh County, a truck collided with the underside of the bridge yesterday afternoon. I have no idea whether anyone was hurt. Lehigh County has contractors on site for repairs. It will reopen as soon as possible.

According to Nationalbridges, the Lehigh Street Bridge was first built in 1908 and then reconstructed in 1947. Before this accident, it was already rated "structurally deficient" because the foundations are scoured by flowing water.

A Morning Call news account is located here.

Browning Commends Cunningham's Linden St Bridge

When I told you that Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham would formally re-open the Linden Street bridge on Wednesday, I also mentioned that Scott Ott, Don's opponent for County Exec last year, would be on hand to display his bungee jumping skills. Scott, worried that "the rope Mr. Cunningham purchased for me was bought with money he saved on the Courthouse project," politely declined. But never fear, the Chairman of Lehigh County's Board of Comm'rs, Dean Browning, joined Cunningham. He did no bungee jumping, but this fiscal conservative commended Cunningham for pushing ahead with the Linden Street bridge.

What's the big deal with one dinky little bridge, anyway?

It's what County governments do. They own many of the bridges we travel over every day. As we tool in to work each morning, juggling cell phones in one hand and swilling coffee with the other, most of us take them for granted. We're oblivious to the reality that thirty per cent of Pennsylvania's bridges are structurally deficient. Allentown alone has forty-seven bridges, and guess what? According to NationalBridges.com, 23 of them are either structurally deficient or functionally obsolete.

At the rate Allentown is going, it might have to change its current motto from "City Without Limits" to "City Without Bridges."

Before Lehigh County began to rebuild the Linden Street bridge, it rated poorly. Nationalbridges.com notes that the scour, i.e erosion of stream bed or bank material from bridge foundations, was "critical" and e foundations had actually become unstable. Their conclusion: "basically intolerable requiring high priority of corrective action."

Cunningham took County dollars "trimmed from a bloated Lehigh County Courthouse expansion," and went to work on crumbling bridges. $6.5 million was sunk into the Linden Street bridge alone. Here's how he explains it.

"The use of county dollars helped fast-track the $6.5 million Linden Street Bridge project, allowing us to go from engineering to completion in just two short years and seven months. Engineering of this bridge began in June of 2007, and construction began in fall of ’08.

"Had we waded through the red tape of PennDOT, construction would not have started until 2012 – if we were lucky. In addition, it’s doubtful a project of this magnitude would have gotten off the ground in today’s economy. "

Lehigh County will replace four bridges and have major repairs completed or underway on 17 others by the end of this year. Another four are in design and engineering for imminent replacement.

"That’s more than half of the county’s 47 bridges,” Cunningham notes.

Dean Browning noted that they could have waited to participate in the Pennsylvania Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), under which 95% of the capital cost is covered by the state. County Commissioners voted 5-4 in 2008 to finance the replacement itself.

Browning, who voted to fund this bridge at the county level, gives this explanation.

"I can say that my vote was based two things. First, I ran for office saying the county needed to focus on its basic responsibilities and the maintenance and repair of our bridges certainly falls into that category. And, secondly, in 2007 the County Executive and the Board had committed to the Mayor and to the residents of Allentown that this bridge would be repaired in a timely fashion. The fact that we are standing here in 2010 instead of 2012 or 2107 with a competed bridge is proof that we keep our word."

"Don mentioned that if we had gone the TIP route it wouldn’t have been until 2012 before construction would have begun.

"I know Don likes to say he is really a conservative at heart, but in this case I think he was being overly optimistic and that a more realistic date if we had gone the TIP route was 2017.

"To me, this delay in fulfilling one of the County’s basis responsibilities for such an important part of the County’s infrastructure is not acceptable and Don should be commended for pushing ahead with the repair."

Some of you might call this crazy spending, and I'm sure the Lehigh Valley Tea Party would vote to let bridges collapse, if they ever conducted votes. After all, that is limited government. I could hear them now. "If God had meant us to cross rivers and streams, he'd part the waters."

I call it good government.

On my blog, Michael Molovinsky has snidely posted an "open note to donny cunningham; donny the 8th st. bridge in allentown needs work." This refers to the famous Alburtis Meyer Bridge over 8th Street, and according to NationalBridges, it's structurally deficient, too. What Molovinsky neglects to note is that it's owned by PennDot, not the County.

Linden Street Bridge to Open Officially on Wednesday

Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham will open the new, $6.5 million, Linden Street Bridge on Wednesday, March 31 at 1 p.m, accompanied by a bungee-jumping exhibition by his former opponent, Scott Ott.

Used by thousands of drivers daily, Linden Street is the fourth new bridge Cunningham will have opened since taking office in 2006. Construction began on the bridge in October 2008.

By the end of this year, major repairs will have been completed or underway on 17 other bridges and another four are scheduled for replacement. This means that more than half of the county’s 47 bridges are being upgraded.

WHO: Lehigh County Executive Don Cunningham

WHAT: Linden Street Bridge Opening

WHERE: Linden Street Bridge

WHEN: 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 31

Directions: From Linden Street turn left on North Race Street (across from Banana Joe's Dance Club) into the RJ Corman Railroad Yard

Cunningham on Track With Lehigh County Bridge Repairs

We tend to take them for granted. But imagine the horror we would feel if a bridge collapsed from under us. Just two years ago, that's exactly what happened on a Minnesota Interstate bridge, leaving thirteen people dead.

But believe it or not, the Keystone State has the largest number of structurally deficient bridges in the whole dang country. More than one out of every four bridges has problems. There's a pleasant thought for you next time you roll over the Hill to Hill bridge!

Lehigh County Exec Don Cunningham has re-opened four bridges since taking office in 2006. By the end of this year, major repairs will be completed or underway on 17 others, more than one-third of the county’s 47 bridges.

Today, seven humongous support beams (152-foot long, 106-ton) will be plunged into the murky depths as the $6.5 million Linden Street bridge project nears completion in December. You can join Cunningham and watch these beams being hoisted by two 500-ton cranes at 4 PM today.

Cunningham has vowed to throw the last of these beams into place all by himself. "It's just like a caber toss," he tells me.