131ST DISTRICT

Rep. Justin Simmons, R-131st, recently updated district residents on the Blue Church Road South Bridge replacement project.

The 84-year-old bridge in Upper Saucon Township has been closed since last summer.

The bridge was closed due to safety concerns after an inspection revealed severe deterioration to the structure caused by flooding, according to a media release.

At a meeting requested by Simmons with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials, a Simmons representative learned the earliest the bridge could be replaced is next summer, but a number of issues must be resolved before the time schedule is finalized, including permitting, property acquisition and protecting the potential habitat areas of the Bog Turtle, which is an endangered species.

The closure of the bridge has meant alternate routes for drivers who use the bridge.

Simmons added project updates will be included in his weekly emails and on his Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RepSimmons.