Council Discusses Drainage Problems at Intersection

Drainage problems at the intersection of Easton Road and Cherry Lane in Hellertown were discussed at Borough Council's Oct. 3 meeting, after Borough Engineer Bryan Smith said a review of drainage at the large intersection had been conducted.

Three municipalities border the three-way-stop intersection, including Hellertown on its southwest side, Bethlehem on its northwest side and Lower Saucon Township on its eastern side.

On the borough's side of the intersection there is no curbing, Smith noted.

On Bethlehem's side of the intersection, changes to the storm water drainage environment could be contributing to backups that have been observed recently, he said.

Improvements related to recent sidewalk installation on Cherry Lane and the nearby Townes at Stonewood development along Easton Road in Hellertown could also be affecting drainage issues, Smith added.

The storm water management review also revealed that a detention basin on Morning Star Road in Lower Saucon, not far from the intersection, may not be functioning properly, he said.

Following recent storms the basin has been dry, he explained.

Council vice president John Bate observed that new homes are currently being built on Morning Star, which is a cul-de-sac street straddling the border between the borough and the township on the east side of Easton Road.

"After we've reviewed (the situation) more, we can contact the township and see what information they have to provide," Smith said, with reference to the detention basin on Morning Star.