Delaware Avenue construction update forthcoming

Oct 10, 2017 Ali Hibbs Bethlehem, Business, Community, News, Towns

The Delaware Avenue construction project (Photo by Michael Hallisey/Spotlight News)

BETHLEHEM — Construction on the Delaware Avenue Streetscape project was scheduled to be complete this fall, but crews will almost certainly not meet the initial deadline of Oct. 17.

Construction workers on Delaware Avenue (Photo by Michael Hallisey/Spotlight News)

Since June, local businesses and residents have been affected by the noise and detours necessitated by the project and are eager to see the project completed.

“We look forward to the end result,” said Liam Slattery, owner of O’Slattery’s Irish Restaurant & Pub, located at 318 Delaware Ave., in the midst of the construction. Slattery said that the work has impacted business, primarily during lunch on the days when highway crews are working directly in front of their location. He’s not complaining, however. “It’s the town making improvements,” he said. “We just try to remind everyone that we do have another entrance on Oakwood Place.”

Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce President Jennifer Kilcoyne said she has heard from businesses along the corridor that foot traffic has been impacted more than vehicle traffic, and that the Chamber has been keeping track of how their member businesses are faring.

Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Paul Penman said that the town is currently working out an amended schedule for completion and will provide an update at the Town Board meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 11.

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• Delaware Avenue Streetscape Enhancement

Ali Hibbs