Ordinance limits left turn at Lehighton school

Lehighton has advanced its plan to improve safety at an intersection used by students to leave the high school campus.

Borough council on a 6-0 vote Monday adopted an ordinance amending a section that prohibits a left-hand turn from Union Street to Ninth Street during school hours. Councilman Darryl Arner was absent.

The ordinance amends the times from 7-9 a.m. and 2-4 p.m.

Last month, Councilman Ryan Saunders noted there have only been three crashes there in the past six years.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said at that time the current setup backs up traffic and causes other issues as well.

Council’s action comes after it agreed in June to table advertising the ordinance due to just four members of council being in attendance.

Council in September authorized the preparation of a request for proposals from engineering firms.

In November, council authorized proceeding with Barry Isett and Associates to prepare and submit the TE-110 for the state Department of Transportation.

In May, council received approval from PennDOT.

Borough Manager Nicole Beckett said the recommendations from the traffic study at that time were to prohibit left turns from Union Street eastbound to Route 902 northbound when school children are crossing the road at school arrival time (7 to 8 a.m.) and at school departure time (2 to 3 p.m.) to eliminate safety concerns with vehicular/pedestrian conflicts.