Wagman Heavy Civil Project

SR 22 Lehigh River Bridge Replacement

  • Location

    Allentown, PA

  • Duration

    August 2015 – August 2019

This $66.3M project, for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, was designed to alleviate congestion along the heavily traveled Route 22 in Allentown, PA. The existing roadway was reconstructed and widened from four lanes to six lanes, and an existing interchange with Fullerton Avenue was reconstructed. Five bridges were replaced over the Lehigh River, the Lehigh Canal, and Fullerton Avenue over SR 22. Three retaining walls were constructed to allow the widening of SR 22. Cofferdams and temporary causeways were constructed to allow bridge construction within the navigable waterways. The project scope included the following major elements: excavation, drainage, erosion and sediment control, storm water management, asphalt paving, guardrail, pavement markings, utility coordination and relocation, multi-phase traffic control, bridge demolition, bridge construction, permanent and temporary support of excavation, micro-piles, low mobility grouting, electrical, signage, lighting, and public outreach.

Key Challenges & Project Details

  • Karst Geology dictated the use of micro-piles and low mobility grout.
  • The existing mainline bridges required constant monitoring and repair during the project duration so that a weight restriction is not applied to the structure. This further exacerbates the traffic demands in the area.

Project Fun Facts

  • Wagman built the original bridge structures that are being replaced under this contract in the 1950s.

  • This is one of Lehigh Valley’s busiest arteries and daily serves more than 90,000 vehicles.