One of the area’s roughest intersections – often jammed with traffic, it can be risky for motorists and pedestrians crossing the street – is set for a facelift this spring.
With the hope improvements will increase safety, the busy Washington Avenue and Lincoln Avenue intersection in Newtown Borough will receive new signal poles and heads to replace half-century-old equipment, new LED countdown pedestrian signals, concrete sidewalks and ramps, and new pavement markings, according to action taken recently by Borough Council. The board OK’d two bids for work on the project totaling more than $900,000.
A portion of the project price tag is covered by a $271,000 grant awarded to the borough in 2021 through the state Transportation Department’s Greenlight Go program.
The new poles and signal heads, costing $80,000, are a fluted, more decorative design similar to those at Washington and State Street. Councilman Kris Bauman cited the higher cost for the equipment, but said “sometimes clothing does matter.”
Said he: “We have two other signals in town that have this look. It’s a much nicer look and it’s representative of who we are as a town, as a community. And I think we should do the same here notwithstanding the fact it’s going to cost us more money.”
The intersection upgrades also include installation of a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI), which will allow pedestrians to enter the crosswalk 3 to 7 seconds before vehicles are given a green indication. The LPI allows pedestrians to better establish their presence in the crosswalk before vehicles have priority to turn right or left.
