Lehighton applies for $818K for Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Blvd. project

Lehighton has gone all in as it attempts to secure funds to complete a project that would significantly alter Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard.

On a 4-0 vote, borough council last week adopted a resolution requesting $818,921 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority-Local Share Account Grant. Councilmen Joe Flickinger, Darryl Arner and Donnie Rehrig were absent.

In July, the Carbon County Planning Commission outlined its support letter for a Multimodal Transportation Fund grant application for the creation of safe pedestrian connections and calm motorist traffic along the bypass.

The grant, if secured, would be used to create landscaped curb extensions at the gateway and along the west side of the Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard to eliminate the full-length left turn lane. Three crosswalks would be designated to cross the roadway and include landscaped bump outs, marked crosswalks, pedestrian-activated flashing beacon signs and ADA ramps. A walkway is also proposed to be constructed along with the west side of Lehigh Drive for trail users.

In the event the borough secures the funds, business manager Nicole Beckett said the project would be designed and bid out next year.

The project stems from a waterfront traffic study that was completed last year at the recommendation of council for the existing conditions, and to prepare for future growth.