The idea of constructing a pedestrian/bicycle bridge across the Lehigh River in Bethlehem began over six years ago with a partnership between the local club and Lehigh University South Side Initiative.   Six public meetings and several university courses in pedestrian bridge design later, the idea of such a bridge expanded into a substantial civic project.  Supported by a professionally developed vision statement, the original concept steadily expanded from a simple bridge into an image of an inner city pedestrian corridor running between Monocacy Way and the Greenway on the Southside.  And with this expansion, the concept of the “walking city,” a safe, alternative landscape for pedestrians, runners and bikers in Bethlehem, came to life. 

Finally, in the Spring of 2018, our twenty-five page report on the Lehigh River Pedestrian Bridge featuring some thirty community endorsements arrived in the offices of county planners, business interests, and city officials.   By the Summer of 2019, our efforts in proposing the bridge and its multiple community benefits culminated in the unanimous decision of Bethlehem City Council to join the County of Northampton in providing $140,000.00 to fund a feasibility study for the bridge construction.

And now, with the new year, we are poised to enter the next step in the growth and development of this, one of the clubs most exciting urban, environmental projects.  In January of 2021, we look forward to meeting members of WTR, the design team chosen by the city and our small group of advocates to undertake the feasibility study.  Thus, the saga of the bridge continues on an ever more serious course.  A fine element of citizen involvement and interaction has been promised by CRT as they carry out their feasibility study.  We will keep you posted!