Mauch Chunk Trust Company announced Friday that it will close its railroad station branch in downtown Jim Thorpe on Dec. 1. The existing ATM outside the building will remain in service.

In a press release, bank officials said the decision to close the branch was through a new partnership with Carbon County, which owns the historic railroad station.

As Jim Thorpe continues to thrive as one of the region’s premier tourism destinations, the Carbon County commissioners have prioritized initiatives that enhance the infrastructure and safety of the downtown area, the release states.

The repurposing of the bank’s former branch space inside the railroad station will allow the county to implement enhancements aimed at accommodating growing tourism traffic and improving pedestrian flow and safety in the area.

The decision was made in coordination with the Carbon County commissioners to support long-term improvements that will enhance the downtown visitor experience and improve safety in one of the most visited destinations in the Pocono Mountains.

With the Carbon County Railroad Station/Welcome Center experiencing 400,000 visitors annually and surrounding communities working to enhance their downtown areas to both visitors and residents, the county commissioners have begun meeting with all parties involved to continue to improve and enhance the safety for both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.

“We are committed to being where our customers are,” said Patrick H. Reilly, president and CEO of Mauch Chunk Trust Company. “Whether that’s at their place of business, on their smartphone or at one of our full-service locations, we remain focused on delivering convenient, secure, and community-rooted banking services.

“As tourism in Jim Thorpe has grown over the years, we’ve seen many of our Railroad Station customers increasingly using our North Street and other offices because they are easier to access and have better parking.

“Additionally, more customers than ever are also embracing our highly rated mobile app for their everyday banking needs. This evolution reflects the flexibility and convenience our customers value.

“Now, with the county’s exciting plans to enhance tourism access and safety, we’re honored to support these improvements that align with our community’s long-term growth.”

The Railroad Station branch has been a staple in the downtown community for nearly 30 years.

The bank has several other branches throughout Carbon and Schuylkill counties that will remain open, including the main office in Jim Thorpe, as well as five additional full-service community offices in Nesquehoning, Lehighton, Hometown, West Penn Township and Albrightsville, as well as a Wealth Management office in Jim Thorpe.

MCT was incorporated on Aug. 25, 1902, as the successor institution to the Second National Bank of Mauch Chunk established in 1864.

For more information about MCT, visit www.mct.bank.