ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Construction is set to begin on Monday on the upcoming Center Square – 7th & Hamilton Streets Realignment Project.

The project will be completed in multiple phases through November 2026, officials said.

All dates are subject to change based on weather conditions.

Pre-construction activities, including site preparation, mobilization, layout, and exploratory pipe locating will take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., the press release said.

No full lane closures are expected during this week, and traffic will be controlled by flaggers, according to officials. 

Phase 1 of construction will take place April 27 through May 21 on the northwest corner near the PPL Center, the news release details. 

During this phase, the south lane of Hamilton Street will be closed westbound from 7th Street, and the west lane of 7th Street will be closed through the Hamilton Street intersection, according to officials. 

Additional construction phases are anticipated as follows:

Phase 2 – SW Corner (702 Hamilton St) – May 21 – June 12, 2026Phase 3 – NE Corner (2 City Center / 645 Hamilton St) – June 10 – August 5, 2026Phase 4 – SE Corner (County Building and Vault) – July 31 – October 5, 2026Phase 5 – Linden St & 7th St (West Corners) – July 15 – August 7, 2026Phase 6 – Final Paving (Full Project Length) – September 22 – November 6, 2026

These phases will focus on infrastructure rehabilitation and roadway improvements around 7th & Hamilton Streets, along with enhancements to the public plaza area, according to the press release.

Improvements to the Center Square Plaza (northeast and southeast corners) will enhance aesthetics, accessibility, and overall usability, officials said. 

In addition, the Hamilton Street Streetscape project from 728 Hamilton to Church Street is expected to begin May 11 and continue for approximately 70 working days, according to officials.

This work will be coordinated with the realignment project and plaza improvements to maintain consistent traffic patterns.

The streetscape project will include:

Sidewalk and curb improvementsInstallation of pedestrian lightingTree plantings and streetscape landscapingAddition of benchesConstruction of a raised crosswalk from Hall Street to the PPL Center

North Star Construction is managing the 600-700 Block of Hamilton Street Streetscape and the Center Square Plaza Improvements, according to officials.

TPD, Inc. is managing the 7th & Hamilton Streets Realignment and Construction Masters Services, Inc. will serve as the contractor.