By: Brad Flynn | Published July 27, 2022
Over the past few years, Borough officials and engineering experts have been working diligently to study traffic congestion in the downtown area. Bath has five state highways crisscrossing through the heart of the Borough in asymmetrical geometry leading to traffic woes. Given the physical network of Borough roads and in connection with archaically inferior timed traffic signalization, and lack of designated turning lanes, and highly variable traffic volumes, Bath’s signalized intersections lower to a failing grade relative to level of service. This is why traffic backups are lengthy and ridiculously time consuming trying to get through Bath.
In partnership with PennDOT District 5 Traffic Engineering, the Borough was able to craft a Master Long-Range Transportation Improvement Plan (MLRTIP). The MLRTIP is exhaustive and serves as a forensic case file, channeling decision makers to best possible outcomes given alternatives tried and failed over time. The MLRTIP identifies existing traffic problems and offers a three phase approach to reducing congestion, creating safer pedestrian access routes, and provides for a much safer transportation system through Bath.
Bath is beginning to see this phased approach in action. In 2019, PennDOT began working on designs to upgrading four signalized intersections in the Borough. PennDOT has dubbed this initiative the Bath Traffic Signalization Optimization Project. The project will include new traffic masts, cabinets, controllers, pedestrian signals, emergency pre-emption equipment, and modern semi-automated traffic signalization technology. The project is expected to be complete by fall 2022. Project costs are estimated at $1.1 million.
Another massive PennDOT undertaking is the State Route 248 Re-alignment Project. This will incorporate the redevelopment of the Old Forge Drive and W. Northampton Street intersection. The project will include the complete reconstruction of the W. Northampton Street bridge and a segment of W. Northampton Street to Chestnut Street. W. Northampton Street from Chestnut Street to W. Main Street will then carry State Route 248. The project is expected to be complete by 2024/2026. Project costs are estimated at $4 million.
The MLRTIP is a compilation of extensive research and its leading to a plan of action. It is the Borough’s best foot forward to doing everything it can to improve its transportation system. PennDOT has been a powerful ally of the Borough taking the first steps to lead the plan of action. Progress on this issue is materializing and will be seen from 2022 onward. Bath’s MLRTIP, when fully implemented has the strength to reduce traffic congestion over the next 20 years.
Bath’s MLRTIP was partially funded with Northampton County DCED grant money in addition to the Borough’s General Fund.
Read the Borough of Bath’s Master Long-Range Transportation Improvement Plan here:
Check out the Borough’s proposed “Triangle-About” concept here:
