ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Drivers in Allentown soon will have some new obstacles to navigate — ones that city officials hope will make streets safer.
City Council this week approved a measure that will bring “temporary, low-cost improvements” to parts of Allentown, according to Public Works Director Mark Shahda.
A $384,000 grant from the U.S. Transportation Department will pay for temporary roundabouts on one west Allentown street and 20 “speed cushions” near parks and schools.
“If we see that there’s a reduction in crashes and there's a reduction in speeds, then we’ll seek more permanent solutions at these 20 locations."Public Works Director Mark Shahda
“Circular rubber-coated devices” will be installed on Ott Street between Greenleaf and Highland streets, Shahda said.
The federal grant is funding “demonstration” projects to determine what works in Allentown, he said.
“This $384,000 is really intended to try these projects as a pilot project,” he said.
Officials will compare data they collect from the demonstration devices against previously collected traffic data “to see if they’re actually effective,” according to Shahda.
“If we see that there’s a reduction in crashes and there's a reduction in speeds, then we’ll seek more permanent solutions at these 20 locations,” he said.
He said the temporary speed cushions then would be used elsewhere in Allentown.
‘Check them out’
The public works director said speed cushions “shouldn't hinder emergency response” because they will be installed with gaps that allow large vehicles to straddle them.
Speed cushions were installed this week along Irving Street, Shahda said. He invited residents to check them out.
“If you have an opportunity and you’re on the East Side, please drive by Irving Street, take a look at them, drive over them [and] provide any feedback that you might have."Public Works Director Mark Shahda
“If you have an opportunity and you’re on the East Side, please drive by Irving Street, take a look at them, drive over them [and] provide any feedback that you might have,” he said.
Allentown City Council on Wednesday also approved a measure that funds traffic-signal improvements along American Parkway.
It will use $320,000 in unspent capital-project funds and transfer an almost $1.4 million state grant from the project equipment account to its construction account.
That money will pay for upgrades between Susquehanna Street and Airport Road, according to the legislation.
