Traveling east and west through Allentown got a little easier this afternoon with the opening of the brand new Union Street Bridge. The bridge is located just east of St. Elmo Street on Union Street and adjacent to the Union Terrace Park and Elementary School.

The original Union Street Bridge was built in 1930. It was replaced because of failing beams and abutments.

The $3.3 million project was completed on-time and on-budget.

“I want to thank the drivers of the estimated 2,100 vehicles that crossed this bridge daily for their patience,” said Mayor Ed Pawlowski. “It took 20 months to tear down the old bridge and build this new state-of-the-art bridge, but I am confident that it is worth the wait.”

The Union Street Bridge over Cedar Creek is 91’-6” single span composite pre-stressed concrete beam bridge. It replaces a two span reinforced concrete beam bridge.

The new bridge is not weight restricted.

The overall project consists of more than 135,000 pounds of steel, 1600 cubic yards of concrete and 370 cubic yards of compaction grout. Typically, there were 10-to-15 workers on the job at a time with more than 40 persons in all involved with the project.

J.D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen, Pennsylvania served as general contractor for the project. The project funding is 80% federal, 15% state and 5% city. 

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