$11 Million Bethlehem Steel Project Starting This Week

Construction will begin this week on the redevelopment of the Hoover Mason Trestle, an $11 million project aimed at making pedestrian traffic easier at the Sands complex in Bethlehem.

“This project is all about connections,” Mayor John Callahan said in a news release. “Connecting pedestrians from the Sands Casino Resort Bethlehem to the SteelStacks campus, utilizing the same trestle that carried iron ore and other raw materials from the ore yard – site of the Sands Casino – to the blast furnaces – site of SteelStacks. "

The plan is to build a several-stories-high pedestrian promenade that will allow for further historic interpretation of the former Bethlehem Steel complex and passive recreation.

The project area includes the length of the trestle – 2,000 feet – whichextends from the Visitor Center to the entrance of the Sands Casino.

Public bonds obtained by the Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority through Tax Increment Financing approved in 2010 to pay for infrastructure improvements at SteelStacks will provide the funding.

The trestle, which is currently owned by Sands Bethworks, a partnership of the casino and other real estate investors, will be conveyed to the Bethlehem Redevelopment Authority for public ownership.

The project is overseen by Boyle Construction. Work is expected to wrap up by October 2014, but Boyle expects to have a portion open by August for pubic view by Musikfest visitors.