WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — A Whitehall Township street where a man was struck and killed by a vehicle in December may be temporarily closed while a road safety plan is developed.
Township Mayor Joseph J. Marx Jr. made the announcement at a township board of commissioners meeting Monday.
Edward D. Tomcics, 75, was killed in front of his home while crossing Water Street the night of Dec. 25.
An investigation into the incident continues as to its cause.
Residents have for years complained to the township about "the amount of traffic that speeds on Water Street, ignoring the posted 25 mph speed limit."Whitehall Township residents
Residents, including the Tomcics family, have for years complained to the township about the amount of traffic that speeds on Water Street, ignoring the posted 25 mph speed limit.
Residents packed the board of commissioners’ meeting last month, urging the board to finally address the problem of speeding.
Marx has met with Brian Hite, transportation planner for the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, about the issue.
‘People will be inconvenienced'
Marx also met with members of the Local Technical Assistance Program, or LTAP, a state organization that offers local governments on road closures, installation of speed bumps, platforms and tables.
“They suggested we create a traffic study in the township by committee,” Marx said. “I have the ability to close Water Street temporarily, but I haven’t made that decision yet.”
"It will be temporary, but people will be inconvenienced."Whitehall Township Mayor Joseph J. Marx, Jr., on possible Water Street closure
The possibility of a temporary closing of Water Street has been cleared by township police and fire department, Marx said.
Board Vice President Jeffrey Warren said LTAP advised the township to develop a traffic calming plan not just for Water Street, but all neighborhoods.
A petition directed by Marx and circulated among Water Street residents regarding a temporary street closure to address the problem was approved by 70%.
“The street was closed three years ago when the bridge was built,” Marx said. “It will be temporary, but people will be inconvenienced.”
