The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation plans to upgrade pedestrian crossing signals at nine intersections in Tamaqua, according to borough Manager Kevin Steigerwalt.

The work would include new LED countdown signals, new push buttons or touch pads, and new signs, he told council during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

“In talking with PennDOT’s engineer, my understanding is they categorize the intersections by difficulty level and they are working on the easier intersections first,” Steigerwalt noted.

Therefore, the upgrades won’t be made in the near future at the “more difficult” Five Points intersection; Spruce and Center streets; Spruce and Hunter streets or Broad and Columbia streets.

“All the other ones they plan to do,” Steigerwalt explained.

The upgrades won’t cost the borough, however, council had to approve a traffic signal maintenance agreement with PennDOT for work to proceed. Once the new signals are installed, the borough will be required to maintain them.

“That is no different from the way it is now,” Steigerwalt said of ongoing maintenance.

Council passed the agreement unanimously.

In an unrelated matter, council approved the purchase a new sport utility vehicle for the borough police department and a new Ford F-350 with a plow package for the borough.

The police vehicle will be outfitted for the department, and will cost $61,031, and the truck will cost $52,930.

Steigerwalt noted that the Tamaqua Sewer Authority has agreed to foot half the cost of the truck.

Financing will be through Mauch Chunk Trust, and funds will come from the borough’s Equipment Fund.

Steigerwalt said the borough will have “no problem” making the payments.

Council also approved the sale of three older police department cars.

“Hopefully we can replenish some money by selling off these vehicles,” Councilman Ron Bowman said.

The vehicles will be listed for sale through Municibid, an online auction service for government agencies. Council will wait for the new police vehicle to arrive before putting the cars on the market.