A new traffic pattern is in place for Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard in Lehighton.

The pattern will remain as such now that the Traffic Calming Project geared toward traffic and pedestrian improvements along the Boulevard is in full swing.

“The ultimate goal of the project and the long-term plan for the Boulevard is to provide a gateway between the popular amenities along the D & L trail and our downtown,” said borough Manager Dane DeWire.

DeWire said that during construction hours, traffic will be limited to one lane for both through-traffic and turns from the lane-split at the south end to Rite Aid at the north end.

He said traffic control will be in place at South Main Lane, North Main Lane, and Lehigh Drive during active construction, with construction continuing daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. until mid-November.

DeWire said the project scope includes the following components:

• The removal of four sections of turning lane. These portions will be replaced with depressed curbs and decorative brick pavers.

• The installation of three ADA-compliant brick paver crosswalks at the intersection of N. Main Lane.

• The installation of a 6-foot-wide asphalt path connecting the D & L Trailhead Pavilion to the Lehighton Spur closer to the Weissport Bridge.

“The ultimate goal of the project is to enhance safety along this stretch of roadway for residents and visitors, both foot traffic and motorists,” DeWire said. “By limiting the turning lane to only stretches of roadway which require it, we hope to calm traffic patterns.

“Drivers frequently use the existing turning lane to pass which has resulted in higher speeds and numerous motor vehicle accidents in years past,” DeWire said.

A traffic study was conducted by Lehighton Police in July. DeWire said the borough could lower the 40 mph speed limit based on the study.

Barry Isett & Associates has recommended reducing the speed limit to 25 mph along the busy stretch of road in an attempt to slow down motorists.

“New crosswalks will provide a safer way for pedestrians to travel between the growing riverfront and downtown areas. The new asphalt path will provide a safer alternative to D & L trail-goers who have previously been required to share Lehigh Drive with motorists on very busy weekends along the river,” he said,

In August, borough council on a unanimous measure awarded Livengood Excavators the Waterfront Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Improvement Project for $690,092.

The project will be funded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Council chose the concept that calls for a decorative brick paver for the crosswalks at Route 209 and Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard, and designated turning lanes.

This concept includes the pedestrian beacon lights, speed indicators and additional trees.

The other concept called for thermoplastic pavement marking materials for crosswalks - with a five-year life span - as well as rumble strips, the pedestrian beacon lights, speed indicators and additional trees for landscaping, and rumble strips would have been proposed along the length of the bypass.

Both concepts include the bituminous materials for the walking path along Lehigh Drive, Beckett said.

The borough has received $480,000 toward the project - $250,000 through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program that was received in December 2021, and $230,000 from Local Share funds that were awarded in 2020.