HELLERTOWN, Pa. — A new traffic signal and crosswalks will go in at the intersection of Main Street and Polk Valley Road, with sidewalk improvements to come along the nearby corridor — all courtesy of $600,000 in federal funding.
At a gusty ceremony at Detwiller Plaza on Thursday, Lehigh Valley Transportation Study announced the Carbon Reduction Program federal allocation for Hellertown and its planned upgrades in the coming years.
Borough Engineer Bryan Smith said the area, located at the southern end of Hellertown where it meets Lower Saucon Township, will see an expansion of the nearby sidewalk network to fill gaps in access to Tumminello Park and Saucon Rail Trail close by.
The improvements at Main Street and Polk Valley Road are to be further designed over the next year, with construction to potentially begin in 2027.Hellertown Borough Engineer Bryan Smith
Meanwhile the intersection and its crosswalks could be up for curb bump-outs, a rapid flashing beacon and pedestrian markings.
The improvements are to be further designed over the next year, with construction to potentially begin in 2027, according to Smith.
The ever-busy junction — Northampton County Director of Community and Economic Development Tina Smith called it “one of Hellertown’s busiest intersections” — sits next to Shoppes at Hellertown and Hellertown Diner.
Saucon Valley School District is located about a mile away on Polk Valley Road.
'Real progress' for Hellertown
Becky Bradley, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission executive director and LVTS secretary, said the upgrades will make the borough even more friendly to bikers and pedestrians, and more accessible for those with physical disabilities.
“We know from our regionwide surveys that people want walkable, bikeable neighborhoods and associated business districts — this project checks every single one of those boxes."Becky Bradley, Lehigh Valley Planning Commission executive director
“We know from our regionwide surveys that people want walkable, bikeable neighborhoods and associated business districts — this project checks every single one of those boxes,” Bradley said.
“As is the case with the Carbon Reduction Program funding, this money will also help improve air quality by reducing emissions from idle vehicles and giving people an alternative to get out of their cars and be able to reach other destinations safely.”
According to a news release from LVTS, the metropolitan planning organization of LVPC, the Carbon Reduction Program aims for “advancing transportation alternatives projects such as bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; promoting sustainable and green infrastructure, including public transit and bio-sequestration efforts; and implementing intelligent transportation systems that reduce the environmental and community impacts of freight movement.”
"This $600,000 investment demonstrates real progress for Hellertown.”Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman
Hellertown Mayor David Heintzelman said the work will further complement a town with an already “exceptional” walkability and vibrant Main Street corridor.
“By creating a safer, more accessible downtown, we support our small businesses through increased foot traffic and a more welcoming environment to both residents and visitors,” Heintzelman said. “This $600,000 investment demonstrates real progress for Hellertown.
“It is the result of careful planning, responsiveness to community needs and successful intergovernmental collaboration."
'Crossroad town'
State Rep. Bob Freeman, D-Northampton, said the borough being a “crossroad town” — with State Route 412 coming from the south to Main Street and continuing north under Interstate 78 toward Bethlehem — has come with its challenges.
But the borough will be safer and more accessible thanks to the new award, Freeman said.
Joe Kelly, chief of staff for state Sen. Lisa Boscola, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said the work will help foster even more meaningful growth locally.
“We all think that Hellertown used to be a hidden gem, but I don’t think it’s so hidden anymore,” Kelly said.
“The growth has been palpable, and it’s awesome.”
LVTS is actively distributing $11.4 million in federal funding for other similar area projects, including $8.8 million from CRP and $2.6 million through Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside funding.
The next announcement — 1 p.m. Sept. 8, at Allentown Transportation Center — will benefit bus transit infrastructure safety improvements.
Coalition for Appropriate Transportation in Bethlehem recently was awarded more than $634,000 in TASA funding to continue its K-12 bicycle education programming for several more years.
