The Coplay-Northampton Bridge will be closed to traffic May 31. The 1930s-era span will be demolished and a new one erected during a construction project expected to take three years.

Northampton Borough Council learned of this official date at its May 4 meeting.

“We have received a communication from Shawn Samek, of Trumbull Corporation, notifying us that, in all likelihood, the Coplay (Northampton) Bridge will be closed on May 31, 2017,” borough Manager LeRoy Brobst said.

The notice prompted Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski Sr. to mention all the delays in bringing the bridge project to fruition.

“It (the bridge) falls down by itself,” he said, bringing chuckles from his colleagues.

Having been told on several previous occasions over recent years of the bridge’s demise and new construction, council remained in disbelief that the project would actually unfold. The bridge had been scheduled for replacement before the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge, which opened November 2015.

Councilman Robert McHale said, tongue in cheek, on one occasion, he was taking wagers on when the closure of the bridge would actually occur.

Brobst said he was told the end of May was chosen as the official closing in order that Memorial Day programs would not be affected.

Detour signs will soon go up. Motorists will utilize the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge and the Cementon-Northampton Bridge.