Lehighton remains committed to lower the speed limit on Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire informed borough council last week that he was told it’s going to be a hard sell to get the speed limit to 25 mph.

However, DeWire said the borough may be able to fight it because of the excessive speeding and traffic.

“Right now, the ball’s kind of in PennDOT’s court,” DeWire said.

DeWire said that because the boulevard is in a commercial district, it could possibly be lowered to 35 mph.

“The problem’s not over, but I think the first step is done,” he said.

DeWire added that while there’s more things to do, “I think eventually we’ll get to where we need to be.”

Last month, council authorized DeWire to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to find out the steps to reduce the speed limit along the bustling road.

A new traffic pattern had been in place along the stretch of roadway as part of a project geared toward traffic and pedestrian improvements along the boulevard.

During construction hours, traffic was limited to one lane for both through-traffic and turns from the lane-split at the south end to Rite Aid at the north end.

DeWire said a traffic study previously conducted suggested the speed limit be lowered.

Even with construction going on, traffic isn’t necessarily calmed, DeWire said previously.

He said the borough could have one of its police officers perform another speed study.

Councilwoman Lisa Perry said she believes the speed limit should be down to 25 mph.

Several members of council agreed.

In October, DeWire said, “The ultimate goal of the project and the long-term plan for the boulevard is to provide a gateway between the popular amenities along the D & L trail and our downtown.”

A traffic study was conducted by Lehighton Police in July. DeWire previously said the borough could lower the 40 mph speed limit based on the study.

Barry Isett & Associates has recommended reducing the speed limit to 25 mph.