The Willowbrook Road Bridge is now open.

The Northampton County project, labeled No. 124, is reportedly complete, and the bridge is open to traffic.

Allen Township posted the information on its Facebook page.

This is welcome news to those who had traveled that span on a regular basis, as the closing continued months past its originally anticipated reopening.

Originally constructed in 1958, the previous Willowbrook Road Bridge was a steel I-beam structure with a metal grate deck. Due to structural deterioration, the bridge carried a 20-ton weight restriction.

The span was included in Northampton County’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) bridge replacement program. The Willowbrook Road Bridge was one of 33 county bridges that required replacement or rehabilitation, according to the county website.

The engineering design for a new pre-stressed concrete box beam bridge was completed in July 2023. Before construction could begin, though, two underground utilities needed to be re located.

A critical 30-inch water main, owned by the city of Bethlehem, needed to be moved. The relocation of that water main began in early February 2024 and was completed the following month.

UGI then needed to relocate its gas main. That took place in early April 2024.

The bridge officially closed July 8, 2024, with construction getting underway July 29, 2024.

Traffic was detoured to Savage Road, Route 329, Weaversville Road, Route 987 and Race Street.

The existing bridge was demolished, and, according to the county website, new cast-in-place concrete abutments were installed to support the new structure. Paving and guide rail installation were completed last month.

“We are thrilled to announce the reopening of the Willowbrook Road Bridge, which is vital for local transportation and community connectivity,” Northampton County Executive Lamont McClure said. “This project not only enhances the safety and functionality of our infrastructure, but also reflects our commitment to investing in Northampton County’s future.”