The Saucon Rail Trail crossing at Water Street, Hellertown, has been the subject of pedestrian and bicyclist safety concerns.
A planned pedestrian safety improvement at a busy Water Street rail trail crossing in Hellertown that was recently the scene of an accident involving a bicyclist and a motorist won’t be made as originally planned, however an alternative improvement won borough council’s support Tuesday evening.
Pedestrian-activated devices similar to this one won’t be installed at the Water Street rail trail crossing in Hellertown, because the federal highway safety administration no longer supports them.
Borough engineer Bryan Smith, of Barry Isett & Associates, told council the installation of rapid flashing devices affixed to yellow pedestrian crosswalk signs along the sides of the road at the Saucon Rail Trail is no longer possible, since the Federal Highway Safety Administration recently discontinued their use.
Smith said the use of the devices–which have been installed in various places on a trial basis over the past 10 years–has been discontinued because the technology they utilize is proprietary.
As an alternative PennDOT suggested installing a metal bar above the road to which a pedestrian-activated flashing light will be attached, Smith said.
“I think it’s a good solution,” he told council.
Council requested that yellow LED lights be used, which Smith said can be done.
Mayor David Heintzelman asked about who will be responsible for maintaining the device.
Smith the borough will be responsible for its maintenance.
The bar will be at least 14 or 15 feet above the roadway, so it is unlikely that a truck will hit it, he said.
Rapid flashing devices that were planned for installation at Thomas Avenue and Main Street (Rt. 412) are also now off the drawing board.
Smith said his firm will revise their permit submission for the Water Street rail trail crossing before putting the project out for bid.
Council voted unanimously in favor of the change to the project plans.
Councilman James Hill was absent from the meeting.
