Construction has commenced on the Buckery Road Bridge in Heidelberg Township, Lehigh County, following a $541,000 state grant obtained by Senator Jarrett Coleman. The funds will cover the construction of a new bridge along with paving, guiderails, stream diversion, grading, site restoration, and erosion control.
Senator Coleman expressed gratitude for the restoration of access for emergency vehicles and reduced traffic diversions. “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,” he stated. Additionally, he noted improvements in drinking water quality for downstream families due to the project.
The bridge suffered significant damage during Tropical Storm Isaias and had been closed since 2020. The damage resulted in debris entering Jordan Creek, affecting drinking water supplies.
Representative Gary Day highlighted the importance of state funding for community improvement: “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.”
Dawn Didra from Heidelberg Township emphasized excitement over the project’s start and its benefits for public safety and infrastructure. “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,” she said.
The funding comes from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account Program which supports projects related to public interest and community development using casino-generated gaming money.
