Despite some setbacks, Grace Industries is pushing to complete the Dotters Creek culvert within the next two weeks, though more time may be needed to round out the project.

While the culvert project on Hell Hollow Road in Polk Township was previously pushed back to accommodate moving utility lines and poles, Grace is making up for lost time by fast-tracking the placement of the footers.For this portion of the project, the stream had to be diverted in order to install the structures on dry land."They hope to have the crane in there to set the bridge by the end of September or the first week of October," township secretary Ruth Anne Toner said."Once they have the footers in, they don't need to worry about the water, because the bridge is just set on it. Putting the footers in, that's the important thing."During August's meeting, the township's supervisors were asked to accept a request to move the completion date for the project from Sept. 15 to Sept. 30.Township engineer Russell Kresge previously said that while the construction crews might have a few days of leeway, the project could be shut down if it pushes too far past the end date.The installation of the new culvert is meant to alleviate potentially fatal flooding, as the stream has been subject to heavy water flow in some instances. The project is being funded by a Local Share Account grant, along with a Dirt Gravel and Low Volume RoadsProgram grant.The supervisors will render a decision on a project extension at the Sept. 28 meeting.Truck complaints• The supervisors approved a motion to have their solicitor draft a letter to the Department of Environmental Protection and numerous government officials to address heavy truck traffic that has been coming through the township while en route to Palmerton."Those tri-axle trucks that are going through to Palmerton, they're using Burger Hollow, and then they're going up along Haney Road, which is extremely windy and narrow." Toner said."That's where the kids get on buses. Then, they're going from Haney to Lower Middle Creek, which again, an extremely narrow, dangerous road. We're concerned about the children and these big trucks," Toner said.In addition to safety concerns for students, the trucks have been adding stress and strain to the local roads and bridges, which could result in heavy damage with continued traffic.• The supervisors have decided to reject the prospect of a $5 fee for each registered vehicle in the county. As part of PA Act 89, counties are able to implement the fee, which is collected by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at the time of a vehicle's registration, renewal of registration, or transfer of registration plates. The funds are meant to be used by the county for transportation purposes."I'm sending a letter to the county that the supervisors do not want to see the $5 fee. It's just another tax, and they don't want to do that," Toner said.The township is accepting applications for a position as a full-time zoning and codes officer. Submit an application to the office at 165 Polk Township Road in Kresgeville.The Community Walking Park along Polk Township Road will open this fall, with access to grassy areas for walking. Pathways will be open for use this spring. The supervisors are asking that anyone who walks a dog in the area must use a leash and pick up any waste from their pet.The Polk Township Fire Co. is holding a coin toss from 8 a.m. to noon on Sept. 20 at the intersection of Routes 534 and 209. Proceeds will benefit the fire company.