A recent crash at the intersection of Center Avenue and Coal Street has prompted Jim Thorpe Borough Council to explore safety improvements aimed at preventing future crashes.

The intersection, located on a hill in a residential section of town, has been a safety concern for years.

Borough officials said drivers unfamiliar with the area often misjudge the approach or fail to notice the stop signs until they are too close to stop safely.

During a Thursday council workshop, members discussed possible upgrades, including adding pavement markings or illuminated stop signs, to make drivers more aware of the intersection.

Councilman Mike Yeastedt said the issue came up after a recent “T-bone type accident” at the site.

“There are stop signs on Center Avenue,” he said. “When you come up Coal Street, there’s not a stop sign on the hill. People who are unfamiliar with the area have a tendency to overlook the stop signs.”

Although there are already “stop ahead” signs in place, Yeastedt said more visible warnings may be needed to get drivers’ attention.

“What we’re suggesting, if PennDOT would approve it, would be to possibly paint on the road ‘Stop Ahead’ as an additional alert,” he said. “Another possibility would be getting the blinking LED lights on the stop signs.”

Yeastedt said any changes would require PennDOT approval before the borough can move forward.

“It would be at our cost,” he added.

Officials expressed support for the idea and agreed that improvements are needed to reduce the risk of crashes at the intersection.

“Any upgrade is good,” Police Chief Joe Schatz said. “Safety is key.”

No cost estimate was available Thursday for the proposed improvements.