Lehigh Gap Bridge Opened

Although it is not entirely completed, motor traffic began across the Lehigh Gap Bridge at Lehigh Gap on Saturday morning, September 26th at 10:00 o'clock in the morning, which added another link to a chain of structures that will eventually provide for the full and adequate spanning of the Lehigh River.

Of great importance to motorists using this route to points north of the Lehigh Valley is the fact that dangerous grade crossings of the Lehigh Valley and Jersey Central railroads are entirely eliminated. The old chain bridge which burned in May of 1926, was rebuilt and for the past several years had been operated by private capital as a toll bridge.

There will be no toll charges on the state owned bridge.

The bridge and approaches, which total over 5,252 feet in length, were built by Parker and Graham company, of New York City, under the direct supervision of C. H. Buckius, district engineer for the State Highway Department in this section. The bridge proper is 1,024 feet in length spans the Lehigh at a point varying from 250 feet to 1,000 feet up river from the old toll bridge. The roadbed for the bridge is 20 feet wide from curb to curb and is paralleled by a sidewalk on one side. The approaches are of concrete and are 18 feet in width. Costs, which will be approximately $250,000, will be paid by the State.

Shortly after burning of the old bridge, in 1926, agitation started by the Lehigh Valley Motor club brought about an offer by the state to stand half the costs of a new bridge providing the counties of Lehigh and Northampton would share the other half. These plans failed when Northampton county refused to enter the agreement. The Motor Club carried on its fight with the result that by the first of November the new span will be formally dedicated. No definite date has been set for the official opening.

The bridge, according to John A. Rupp, president of the Lehigh Valley Motor Club, will be an important link in the system of highways being planned as through traffic lanes to all points north of the Lehigh Valley.

Source: The Slatington News, 1 October 1931

[Please my information on the former Lehigh Gap chain bridge which was located just south of this new bridge.]

Aerial view of Lehigh Gap, 1931 showing, from bottom to top, the Lehigh and New England Railroad bridge built 1911, the present Route 873 highway bridge built 1931, and the Lehigh Gap Chain bridge built 1826. Photo credit: Hagley Museum, Dallin Aerial Surveys, 1931, digital.hagley.org/1970200_06700.