PALMER TWP., Pa. – Detours and delays await drivers in Northampton County.
A major bridge replacement is set to begin next month on Route 33 and PennDOT is encouraging drivers to plan ahead before hitting the road.
“We understand it’s an inconvenience,” said Sean Brown, PennDOT press officer.
The more than $20-million-dollar project to repair the bridges overlooking the Bushkill Creek on Route 33 has been ongoing since 2023.
But the long-time coming replacement is just shy of a month away.
Brown said a traffic impact is on the horizon.
“We will be taking northbound 33 traffic and reducing it to one lane,” said Brown.
Starting July 10th, between the Tatamy and Stockertown interchanges, drivers can anticipate detours, delays and longer travel time until mid-August.
“We will be closing the 33-entrance ramp from the Tatamy Main Street intersection, and also the 33-exit ramp in Stockertown,” Brown said.
The repairs stem from continuous sinkhole problems in the area.
“It’s aggravating,” said Victoria Cooper of Belfast.
The five-week long lane shift has the potential to create headaches and pose longer commutes for drivers who rely on Route 33, like Cooper.
“This is a daily commute,” said Cooper. “Minimum of five times a day, between my kids with school work. It’s a lot.”
But Brown said crews need to move the traffic away from the northbound side to be able to work on the old bridges.
He said it’s a temporary, inconvenient solution for the bridges that need a permanent fix.
“You need to give yourself more time to get where you’re going. So really just know before you go,” said Brown.
PennDOT said the entire project is anticipated to be finished by Fall 2026.
WFMZ-TV | Jenny McCain