Easton Seeks Solutions for Southside Intersection

Making Grant Street a and possibly adding a stop sign is probably the best solution for improving conditions at the multi-point intersection of Philadelphia Road, Davis and Grant streets, Easton Public Works Director David Hopkins said Tuesday.

“I think it's highly unlikely that intersection will meet the criteria (for a traffic light),” Hopkins told Easton City Council members at their committee meeting.

Because Philadelphia Road is a state roadway, PennDOT approval would be necessary for the signal.

“What we're going to recommend at the current time is what we think will make the intersection safer for drivers,” he said. “It is definitely an intersection you want to be careful with.”

Davis Street has more traffic than Grant, and that makes it less of a candidate for becoming a one-way, Hopkins said.

"By removing the Grant Street approach, we feel we're creating a true four-point intersection,” Hopkins said. "In making any intersection safer, what you want to do is simplify the sight lines."

Mayor Sal Panto suggested that traffic calming strategies, along with designated truck routes might also help.

"They widened (Philadelphia Road) in anticipation of (Interstate) 78...what about decreasing the travel lanes?" he asked. "I'm just wondering."

"It's definitely something we can look at," Hopkins said, adding that painted lines might be a good way to narrow the road at first.

"If you want to limit trucks on local roadways, you can do that," he added.

Southside resident and Allentown firefighter Todd Weisel told the council he supports the possible changes in his neighborhood.

"I thank you for bringing this up,” Weisel said. "Definitely something needs to be done with that intersection.

"Davis Street, coming out, that's the issue,” he added. "They totally block Grant Street."

Panto agreed, and said similar issues also exist at the intersections of Folk and St. John streets and at Folk and Nesquehoning streets.

“I think we'll be looking at all three intersections to see how we can make them safer,” Hopkins said. “We'll see what we can do with the least amount of impact and take it from there.”

City officials said they would again discuss the issue at the next scheduled council workshop session in February.