Council approves PennDOT amendment increasing North Lincoln Avenue bridge costs; city’s share rises by $9,000

The Lebanon City Council voted to adopt Resolution 25 authorizing the mayor to sign a letter of amendment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the North Lincoln Avenue bridge project over Quidipah Hillacre Creek, increasing the total project cost and the city’s share.

“This amendment is to add funding to the right-of-way and utility phases, representing an increase of $180,000 for a total project cost of $2,599,500. The City’s financial responsibility is 5% of the total cost. This increase represents an additional $9,000 to the City, for a total of $129,975,” Mayor Sherry Alcopello told the council before the vote.

Councilmember Joe moved to adopt Resolution 25; a councilmember identified as Karen seconded. In a roll call conducted by the clerk, Mrs. Hados, Mr. Morales, Mr. Potash and Chairman Martin voted in favor; the chair announced the resolution passed 4‑0.

During public comment, resident Dave Funk asked whether the project had been put out to bid and when it would be let. The city’s public works director said the project was scheduled to be let in March of next year. Mayor Alcopello and staff explained the funding breakdown: federal funds cover 80%, the state 15% and the city 5%, and the increase was tied to utility relocation costs, including moving a utility pole.

A member of the public noted the project had been postponed previously from 2024 to 2025 and now to 2026; council members said they expected the project to proceed but did not provide a firm construction start date. Council flagged the recently paved Lincoln Avenue as intentionally stopping short of the bridge work to allow the bridge construction to tie into the new pavement.

The resolution directs the mayor to sign the PennDOT amendment; council did not attach additional conditions at the meeting.