Nanticoke announces virtual plans display for East Main Street project

William O'Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·3 min read

Apr. 20—NANTICOKE — The City of Nanticoke invites the public to a virtual plan display for the East Main Street streetscape project that officials say may not begin until 2023.

The project is on East Main Street (SR 2002) located between Market Street and approximately 100 feet west of the Walnut Street offset intersection.

According to PennDOT, the purpose of the improvements is to provide the traveling public with a safe corridor through the city that enhances traffic flow, provides safe pedestrian crossings, and meets the current design standards.

The scope of work for the project from Market Street to Shea Street is from back of sidewalk to back of sidewalk and includes:

—Full reconstruction of the existing sidewalk, pavement section and drainage structures

—New traffic signal at the intersection of Market Street and Main Street

—Landscaping improvements

—Stamped pavement pedestrian crosswalks

—Center left turn lane

—Proposed pavement markings

—Removal of existing parking

—Temporary construction easements proposed to complete the sidewalk work

The scope of work from Shea Street to 100 feet west of Walnut Street is from existing curb to existing curb and includes:

—Proposed 1.5" pavement mill and overlay

—Proposed pavement markings

—Existing sidewalks and parking to remain

The project is expected to be constructed over four months, with a detour in place for one to two weeks during construction. A 0.4 mile detour will be posted using North Walnut Street and Market Street.

Mayor Kevin Coughlin said he doesn't expect construction to begin until 2023 because several studies need to be conducted and competed.

"This project will beautify our downtown," Coughlin said. "It's the first step toward further downtown revitalization."

Coughlin said the project has been in planning stages for years and this announcement is the start of getting the project competed.

PennDOT said the virtual plans display includes digital picture boards and an online comment form. It can be accessed by visiting the PennDOT District 4 website — www.Penndot.gov/RegionalOffices/District-4/ — clicking on Construction Projects/Roadwork under District Links, and choosing tile mark SR 2002 East Main Street streetscape project in City of Nanticoke, Luzerne County.

In accordance with Gov. Tom Wolf's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the comment period will be held online only. It will be open from April 19 to April 30.

Those unable to access the study online may give feedback by contacting Interim City Manager Donna Wall, at [email protected], or 570-735-2800.

PennDOT said the purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project's potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.

Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras.

511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.