Erosion from Jordan Creek is forcing road repairs, detours

A road along Jordan Creek in South Whitehall Township will be partially closed indefinitely for repairs.

Repairs are needed on Iron Bridge Road westbound from Lapp Road to Cedar Crest Boulevard because of erosion along the stream bank, township Manager Renee Bickel said during the Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday.

“We will be closing it and making it one way on a temporary basis,” she said.

The lane closure, which will result in traffic being detoured south to Huckleberry Road while Iron Bridge is reduced to a single eastbound lane, goes into effect Friday, she said.

Director of Township Operations Randy Cope said going to a single lane is necessary, adding that the township hopes to find some short-term solutions in order to have both lanes in service by winter.

The township is not sure how long the lane closure will last, Cope said.

Administrators notified Parkland School District about the lane closure, which will necessitate alternate routes for its buses.

In other business, the board authorized the transfer of $6,900 from its capital expense fund to provide emergency medical service equipment for Greenawalds Fire/Rescue Company.

The money is being taken from a $150,000 line item to expand sleeping quarters for the volunteer firefighters, Greenawalds Chief Andrew Garger said.

The money will be used to buy items such as naloxone, used to treat overdoses; oxygen cylinders, regulators and delivery devices; glucose meters; and pediatric supplies.

Those items, totaling $5,715, are in addition to $850 for more bandages and dressings, along with $330 for a contingency fund.

Commissioners also authorized Woodlawn Fire Department to seek quotes to replace a 20-year-old firetruck.

The apparatus is “nearing the end of its service” and should be replaced rather than refurbished, acting fire Chief Barry Search said.

Kevin Duffy is a freelance writer for The Morning Call.