Lebanon City council reviews PennDOT amendment increasing North Lincoln Avenue bridge cost; city share rises $9,000

Lebanon City Mayor Sherry Alcopello told the council on May 27 that a proposed amendment with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would raise the North Lincoln Avenue Bridge over Quittapahilla Creek project cost and slightly increase the city's share.

"This amendment is to add funding to the right away and utility phases representing an increase of $180,000 for a total project cost of $2,599,500," Mayor Sherry Alcopello said. "The city's financial responsibility is 5% of the total cost, and this increase represents an additional $9,000 to the city for a total of $129,975 which I do have that money set aside."

The change was presented as a resolution authorizing the mayor to be designated and directed to sign a letter of amendment with PennDOT. Council members asked clarifying questions about the city's share and timing; the mayor said the project is expected to begin next year and that the city has already committed to participating in the partnership.

Councilmember Joe offered to take the resolution during the meeting, saying, "I'll take it." The transcript provided does not include a recorded second or vote on the resolution.

Council discussion also touched on project sequencing and what residents will see in the field: Alcopello said paving on Lincoln Avenue stopped about 50 feet from the bridge so the bridge reconstruction will match the newly resurfaced approaches. She could not, from memory, confirm whether the bridge elevation would change, saying she would review the designs and follow up.

The administration said PennDOT told the city it could use the previously approved resolution but the mayor recommended placing the amendment on the record in the minutes to note the increased cost.

No ordinance number or formal vote tally appears in the transcript excerpt provided; council members confirmed the 5% city share and the additional $9,000 but did not announce a final recorded vote in the portion of the meeting supplied.

Council members and staff said funding for the city's share is available in the budget for the project; the mayor noted the city had already committed to participating in the PennDOT partnership and that the amendment primarily documents the increased cost.

The council scheduled no further action in the portion of the transcript provided; the mayor said she would supply design details if requested and that work is expected next year.