A project that calls for traffic and pedestrian improvements along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard will cost Lehighton just under $700,000.

On a unanimous measure, borough council on Monday awarded Livengood Excavators the Waterfront Pedestrian Safety and Traffic Calming Improvement Project for $690,092.

In June, council debated whether the speed limit should be reduced to 25 mph along the busy stretch of road in an attempt to slow down motorists.

Councilwoman Autumn Abelovsky said at that time that was the recommendation of Barry Isett & Associates.

However, council didn’t take any action on the matter.

In May, Bryan Smith, of Barry Isett & Associates, told council the borough’s waterfront traffic improvement project was about to go out to bid.

Smith said that the project calls for traffic and pedestrian improvements, new crosswalks, a quarter-mile trail, four bump-outs located on the west side of the street, and a solar operated speed monitoring sign to help reduce some of the speeding on Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard.

He said the project will be funded through the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Council chose the concept that calls for a decorative brick paver for the crosswalks at Route 209 and Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard, and designated turning lanes.

Former borough Manager Nicole Beckett said the pavers and surfacing can be expected to last 10-20 years.

Beckett said this application is more costly, so the borough will not be able to complete the entire length of the left lane. Paint would be used at the southern end.

This concept includes the pedestrian beacon lights, speed indicators and additional trees.

The other concept called for thermoplastic pavement marking materials for crosswalks - with a five-year life span - as well as rumble strips, the pedestrian beacon lights, speed indicators and additional trees for landscaping, and rumble strips would have been proposed along the length of the bypass.

Both concepts include the bituminous materials for the walking path along Lehigh Drive, Beckett said.

Beckett previously asked Smith if the borough should look at redoing the speed limit down there, as the speed limit is 40 mph there, and if the striping should be changed.

Smith said council should absolutely look at redoing the speed limit, and added the striping would be yellow.

Beckett also discussed the potential removal of the directional sign after receiving a report that the signs are deteriorating.

The new plan includes a walking path along Lehigh Drive; pedestrian beacon lights; instead of bump-outs, there would be a textured surface in the turning lane similar to a rumble strip; decorative crosswalks; and solar power speed monitors to tell motorists their actual speed.

The work along Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard and Lehigh Drive would include a 6-foot-wide walkway, crosswalks, curb extensions, ADA ramps and signs. The continuous left-turn lane along the boulevard would be removed.

Beckett said council did not commit any matches to grants for the projects at this point.

The borough has received a total of $480,000 - $250,000 through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program that was received in December 2021, and $230,000 from Local Share funds that were awarded in 2020.

That project stems from a waterfront traffic study in 2020.