The traffic light at the intersection of Main and Water streets in Hellertown borough (FILE PHOTO)
State Sen. Lisa M. Boscola (D-18) announced Thursday that $67,982 in “Green Light-Go” state funding has been awarded to the Borough of Hellertown to pay for upgrades to four traffic signals along the Rt. 412 (Main Street) corridor and help improve public safety.
“Projects that assist municipalities to improve the efficiency and operation of their existing traffic signals are eligible for Green Light-Go funding,” Boscola said in a news release about the funding award. “It’s great to see this state funding come back to our community for a project that will bring about important upgrades to signals along Rt. 412.”
“This project will improve the safety along the corridor for not only the driving public, but also for pedestrians and bicyclists,” she added.
Created by Act 89 of 2013 and administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the “Green Light-Go Program” provides state funds for the operation and maintenance of traffic signals along critical and designated corridors on state highways. Statewide, 70 municipalities will receive funding of over $31 million, the news release said.
Last month, Hellertown Borough Council voted to request PennDOT’s help with retiming the Walnut Street traffic light, which council members said has a higher volume of turning traffic since the Meadows Road Bridge was closed by Northampton County due to structural concerns in the spring.
Council also said it would like PennDOT to study the possibility of adding a green turning arrow at Walnut Street as part of a “proactive approach” to traffic concerns that are expected to grow next summer, when the Water Street Bridge about five blocks to the north is closed for replacement.
The Thomas Avenue crossing is to receive two thermoplastic striped crosswalks along with pedestrian push button-activated rapid flashing beacon signs to notify oncoming traffic when a pedestrian is in the roadway.