When Pennsylvania Department of Transportation closed down the north lane of the Howertown Road bridge, ongoing construction from the Jaindl project experienced problems. Allen Township Board of Supervisors addressed the concerns at its regular meeting July 28.

The concern was access to Mud Lane. Under the provisions outlined in the Jaindl project, Mud Lane would get access to public water provided by Bethlehem Authority. The public water access is critical to the nearby development, but not as critical to residents on Mud Lane.

The latest proposal from developers at the Jaindl project is to install the utilities in sections. The proposal would shut down Mud Lane in staged steps during the installation. The task would be accomplished faster using this method but would be an inconvenience to residents.

The new factor are the restrictions on the Howertown Road bridge. The bridge is restricted only one way (north) at present. If the southbound lane were closed, residents west of a sectional dig would be landlocked or require an elaborate detour. Access to emergency equipment and services would be restricted.

While supervisors accept installing utilities in sections, they decided to stop utility construction if the bridge is closed. There are various implications in this decision. The best solution is to get utilities installed as quickly as possible. There is no scheduled date for the Howertown Road bridge to be shut down completely.

In a related matter, revamping the lots on West 27th Street is a concern. The township has given up on its plan to sell the historic log cabin on the river. The property will be reconfigured to two lots.

The improvement project at West 27th Street includes sidewalks and street widening along with a transfer of utility allocations. The new lot is identified as lot 93.

With the sidewalks and the change, a property owner for lot 93 would have the arduous winter task of clearing snow from 500 feet of sidewalk. Recognizing that such a task could seriously inhibit sales, supervisors opted for an exception. The sidewalk would be posted noting no winter maintenance is required. It is not unusual as several places in the area are not cleared in the winter.

Supervisors unanimously agreed granting relief was an agreeable alternative.

Allen Township meetings will continue to be conducted via teleconference until further notice.