PennDOT officials assured yesterday that even if it is deemed necessary to replace the Thomas J. McCall Memorial Bridge, which spans Weissport borough, the project would not impact the priority or timetable for replacing the Route 903 bridge in Jim Thorpe.

Michael W. Rebert, PennDOT district executive, said there is potential the two bridges could be replaced at about the same time.According to Rebert, the time frame for the Jim Thorpe bridge is for construction to start possibly in late 2011 or early 2012.If the McCall bridge is replaced, the construction could occur in possibly late 2012 or early 2013.The Jim Thorpe bridge will have a new alignment, said Rebert. He said the timetable is "on target."The new bridge will be placed upstream from the existing 58-year old structure which spans the Lehigh River and connects East Jim Thorpe with downtown Jim Thorpe.If the McCall bridge is replaced, it would require the acquisition of some houses for demolition because it would be a wider span than presently exists, said Rebert.