Area of deadly 2023 crash in West Bethlehem approved for traffic signal upgrades

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Pennsylvania Avenue, Union Boulevard and Eaton Avenue — and the roads’ three respective signalized intersections near Lehigh Shopping Center — are set for some traffic signaling upgrades and other accommodations.

Bethlehem City Council on Dec. 17 unanimously approved the work, allocating $57,850 for local firm Traffic Planning and Design Inc. to complete the preliminary design measures sometime this year but before Dec. 31.

Construction could begin in late 2025 or spring 2026 according to city documents.

Over a year ago, a minivan and work van collided at the intersection of Eaton and Pennsylvania avenues.

The minivan’s front-seat passenger — 62-year-old Nora Coronado, of Easton — was later pronounced dead at the hospital, while two others sustained serious injuries.

'Really hopeful'

According to city documents installing new or upgrading existing signals can cost more than $250,000 per intersection.

“What’s required as part of the upgrade is to ensure that the intersections meet all today’s standards and criteria, including pedestrian accommodations for the hearing-impaired,” city Public Works Director Michael Alkhal said.

“Whatever is applicable at that intersection, it will all be looked at, a traffic study and traffic counts will be made, and that’s what the intersection will be designed based on: both the phasing diagram, as well as the field layout and upgrade of all ADA facility.”

He said the tests would account for morning and evening peak traffic times along the three West Bethlehem roadways. They merge near Lehigh Shopping Center — home to a Giant supermarket, Dollar Tree, Powerhouse Gym, Staples, and other stores.

“I am really hopeful that a good plan can come together with these dollars, and we can see it carried out to improve safety for pedestrians, traffic and everybody who lives and works around there,” Councilwoman Colleen Laird said.

'Long overdue'

Traffic signals in the city are owned and maintained by the city, but permitted by the state, Alkhal said.

This means the process behind approving a light’s timing can be a lengthy process, he said, and some intersections in the city may currently be operating based on outdated traffic counts.

One troublesome light mentioned at the meeting is at the intersection of Schoenersville and Illick's Mill roads. Alkhal said he was aware and would look into it further.

Local William Scheirer said, “I do suspect that if the synchronization between the two lights on Pennsylvania Avenue — one at Eaton, one at Union Boulevard just a few feet away — were synchronized better, that might help things. But clearly, something needs to be done there.”

“Hopefully the timing of those traffic lights will improve; I’m hoping that’s part of this whole issue,” resident Mary Jo Makoul said, calling the work “long overdue.”

“Because the left-turn light going on to Pennsylvania Avenue — seven seconds before it changes,” she said. “You can’t even get one car through.”

Another pesky intersection

Makoul said she also would like to see the city, neighboring Allentown and the state work together to improve safety measures along the intersection of West Broad Street and Hanover, Eaton and Club avenues.

She said walking her dog in the area has become dangerous, as some people race by with no regard for the speed limit.

One potential solution to the problem? A roundabout.

But that will take some more time and money, Alkhal said.

“There’s nothing concrete in our capital plan yet, but we’re still evaluating and we’re still looking for ways to address that," Alkhal said of the potential overhaul he estimated could cost a couple of million dollars.

“And we’re working with Allentown as well because the intersection [is located] in each jurisdiction.”