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Palmerton to improve intersection safety

A project to install a traffic signal at Third Street and Delaware Avenue in Palmerton remains on track.

Borough Mayor Don Herrmann asked about the status of the project at Thursday’s borough council meeting.

Borough Manager Autumn Canfield said the borough had its project kickoff meeting with Telco.

Canfield said the time frame for the completion of the project remains July of 2025.

Councilman Kris Hoffner questioned how many incidents have occurred at the intersection.

“I know there are a lot of close calls,” Hoffner said. “The sooner we get it done, the better.”

The scope of work for Delaware Avenue and Third Street notes it is the intent to remove the existing traffic signal at Delaware Avenue and Third Street and install a new traffic signal.

The scope will also include all related traffic signal infrastructure including signal heads, signs, preemption, traffic signal poles, pedestrian pushbutton signals and push buttons, new controller cabinet and electrical service and relocation of existing signs, as noted on the drawings, line striping and loops.

In May, council on a 6-0 vote awarded a bid to Telco in the amount of $483,215.

Councilwoman Holly Hausman-Sell said at that time the company has worked for the borough before, and that she was excited the project was finally getting done.

In April, council held off on awarding a bid for the traffic signal, awaiting clarification on a few items.

The project includes improvements to the light pole at the intersection.

The borough obtained an Automated Red Light Enforcement grant, and worked on permitting through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

In December 2021, the borough received nearly $330,000 in state funds for traffic safety improvements through PennDOT, which distributed about $12.9 million in Automated Red Light Enforcement funding to 22 municipalities statewide to fund 28 safety projects.

Palmerton received $329,398 to bring the intersection up to current PennDOT safety standards.

A project to install a traffic signal at Third and Delaware Avenue is expected to be completed by July 2025. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
The scope of work for Delaware Avenue and Third Street notes it is the intent to remove the existing traffic signal at the intersection and install a new signal. TERRY AHNER/TIMES NEWS
The scope will also include all related traffic signal infrastructure including signal heads, signs, preemption, traffic signal poles, pedestrian pushbutton signals and push buttons, new controller cabinet and electrical service and relocation of existing signs, as noted on the drawings, line striping and loops.