Groundbreaking Ceremony for New Lehigh River and Pohopoco Creek Bridges
DATE: Tuesday, April 14, 2009
TIME: 11 a.m.
LOCATION: On the bank of the Lehigh Canal, Borough of Parryville
DIRECTIONS: Access to the groundbreaking ceremony will be through the entrance to the Rock Hill Concrete Plant at 125 Rock Hill Road which is accessible from Route 248 and adjacent to the RiverWalck Restaurant at 8 Center Street. From the PA Turnpike (I-476) exit at the Mahoning Valley Interchange (Exit #74). Follow sign to LEHIGHTON/South US 209 staying right onto 209 South, travel 1.9 miles to first traffic light PA 248 - turn LEFT onto PA-248 East, proceed 1.6 miles and then turn RIGHT onto ROCK HILL ROAD (RiverWalck Saloon will be to your left). You will be directed to parking.
PROGRAM: After brief remarks, dignitaries (including elected officials) will break ground at the exact location where one of nine piers will be constructed underneath the Lehigh River Bridge. Following the ceremony, transportation will be provided and a brief (20-25 min.) tour of the recently constructed causeways located along the Pohopoco Creek will be conducted.
BACKGROUND: The Turnpike's $101.6 million project to replace the two bridges that cross the Lehigh River, the Lehigh Canal, Pohopoco Creek, and PA State Route 248, the former Lehigh Valley RR and an active Norfolk southern Railroad line, began construction this year. In 2000, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission finalized a study to determine the best method for rehabilitating and widening the Lehigh River and Pohopoco Bridges and concluded that both bridges should be replaced.
SPEAKERS: Turnpike CEO Joe Brimmeier, Legislators and senior executives representing the chief engineering/design and construction firms that performed project work.
MEDIA NOTES: Call Turnpike Spokesperson Carl DeFebo 717-645-2265 (mobile) or Mimi Lindelow 610-952-1522 (mobile) for questions or help with directions. Speakers will be available for one-on-one after ceremony. Events may be inside a tent if weather dictates. Press kits provided. No direct access to electricity available on site.