A state-of-the-art medical center in Lehighton remains on track to open in the spring.

The St. Luke's Medical Center - Lehighton, located on Ninth Street just off Route 443, is expected to be open by the beginning of May, according to Joe Bennett, partner/developer with Lehighton Development LLC."We're working inside; practically all the walls are studded at this point," Bennett said. "This is progressing really nicely with the stone work being completed. The outside of the building is pretty well buttoned up, save for a few windows that need to be left open for X-ray equipment that needs to go through."Bennett said features yet to be installed include a huge skylight inside the main entranceway, and there will also be a separate entrance with an overhang to protect patients who are dropped off.There will be a fireplace in the waiting area, and the physical therapy department will have a nice view of the Mahoning Creek, he said.Bennett said the 21,500-square-foot facility will offer an urgent care, X-ray, lab services, physical therapy and several specialty physicians."I want to emphasize that this is a very positive addition to the area," he said. "Throughout eastern Pennsylvania, there are multiple health care systems in any given community, so therefore, this will be a nice complement to the excellent health care provided by Blue Mountain Health System."Bennett added, "Competition is a healthy thing for any industry, and this location will be very convenient for the ever-increasing Mahoning Valley population.""With the widening of (Route) 443, more and more people are coming to this area because of the many recreation and business opportunities," he said. "We'll look forward to being able to announce a grand opening date within the next 60 days."Bennett said the facility will employ more than 30 employees, and noted the project has employed several local contractors.He said the project took longer than anticipated due to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation building a new bridge in the vicinity of the facility, which led to having to move the site further away from 443 to accommodate the bridge.Bennett said once completed, the Lehighton facility will mark the final of four projects, with the others located in West Penn Township, Nesquehoning and Albrightsville.In November, the St. Luke's Care Now - West Penn, opened at 2092 West Penn Pike, New Ringgold, along routes 309 and 895.That facility has laboratory services for blood tests, an X-ray facility and a large physical therapy and wellness program.