Area motorists remember the headaches and traffic backups caused earlier this year as work began on the renovation of the Thomas J. McCall Memorial Bridge in Lehighton.

The $11.8 million project on the bridge began in October 2013, with the detour starting on June 6.But when the detour began, the nightmares also started for many businesses along the detour path, Weissport borough and motorists alike.To alleviate some of the congestion, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials installed temporary traffic signals and created a one-way route through Weissport.At first, the plan seemed to fail, but some tweaks alleviated some of the traffic delays.The bridge reopened for traffic right on schedule on Sept. 5.In preparation, PennDOT crews began paving work throughout the detour route in the overnight hours, but a few minor snags caused work to spill over into prime travel times.The project to rehabilitate the 16-span multi-type steel bridge is still underway, with an expected final completion date of May 19, 2015.J.D. Eckman Inc. of Atglen completed pier work; made deck repairs, added latex concrete to the deck, constructed new approaches to the bridge; added a new protective fence along barriers; and installed new downspouts.The superstructure is also scheduled to be cleaned and repainted.