Jim Deegan

1 week ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A portion of the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed this weekend for a bridge replacement project. The highway will be closed in both directions from midnight to 4 a.m. Saturday between the Lehigh Valley and Quakertown interchanges. The work is part of the highway’s reconstruction. The shutdown will allow beam work for the Lower Macungie Road bridge replacement, according to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Six Lehigh Valley farms will be protected from development in the latest round of Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program. They’re part of the nearly $10 million allocated by the state to buy development rights for 35 farms in 18 counties. The 35 farms total almost 2,700 acres. “Preserving Pennsylvania farmland is an investment in the future of our economy and farm families,” said Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding in a news release.

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — The city will use a $1.45 million state grant to convert a South Side apartment building into an 11-unit emergency family shelter operated by the Lehigh Conference of Churches. Bethlehem announced the plans Thursday, part of $27 million in funding statewide by the state Department of Economic Development to address homelessness for individuals and families. The property at 232-234 W.

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

NORTH WHITEHALL TWP. — United Natural Foods Inc. plans to close its Lehigh Valley distribution center and eliminate more than 700 jobs. Layoffs will begin Aug. 12 and continue through Oct. 18, according to a notice the company filed with the state Department of Labor. It says 716 jobs will be affected. United Natural Foods is an organic food wholesaler and the primary distributor for Whole Foods. It has 11,000 suppliers and delivers to 30,000 locations in North America, according to the company website.

2 weeks ago | lehighvalleynews.com | Jim Deegan

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Toll plazas that have stood for decades are being dismantled along the Northeast Extension of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Toll booths at the Pocono interchange (Exit 95) came down over the weekend. Work to remove the booths at the Lehigh Valley interchange (Exit 56) is planned to start in late August, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Press Secretary Marissa Orbanek said.