Construction of a new bridge over the Lehigh River between Bowmanstown and West Bowmans was announced and scheduled to begin in May 1984.

PennDOT officials met local residents in the East Penn Township Fire Company and discussed plans to replace the narrow, outdated span that currently exists.Stephen L. Caruano, P.E., design liaison engineer, said the new two-lane bridge will be located 150 to 300 feet south of the existing bridge at an estimated cost of $1,952,000.