White Haven anticipates I-80 construction
Feb. 26—White Haven is already seeing signs of construction on Interstate 80.
Geotechnical boring, or core drilling, is taking place under the bridge near the Lehigh Gorge Trail, said borough engineer Donald Totino during his report at Monday night's council meeting. Totino said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is expected to do similar work at Lehigh Park, likely during the first two weeks of March.
The contractor performing the drilling is obtaining soil samples which will be submitted to PennDOT so the proper bridge foundation is constructed during the project. The contractor said they would put down mats to protect the field and would restore any damage, Totino said.
Work is also planned to lengthen the eastbound and westbound ramps for that portion of I-80, Totino said in his monthly report to council.
Council members expressed concern for the state's proposed toll on I-80 and what that would or wouldn't mean for traffic on local roads. Last week, PennDOT announced plans to build a toll system on multiple bridges in the commonwealth to pay for bridge repairs. Those bridges include two in the area — one that crosses the Lehigh River and another that crosses Nescopeck Creek. Tolls are proposed to start in two to three years. Council President John Klem reminded those attending White Haven's council meeting that a public hearing would be hosted by PennDOT.
In other news:
n Officers John R. Tamburello and Mitchell A. Muir were sworn into duty at Monday night's meeting. Council approved hiring them last month as the borough police department expands its coverage area to include neighboring Foster Twp. The new hires bring the borough's ranks to 10, said Police Chief Tom Szoke.
n Council approved of White Haven Library advertising for construction bids for their rail yard park. The project is grant funded.
n Council held an executive session to discuss odor complaints with Standard Farms. That company also applied for permits for an HVAC system and for building a room within its existing building.
n A traffic study for an illuminated stop sign at routes 437 and 940 was completed and submitted to PennDOT for review. Totino said the borough will have to submit a final plan that will require a surveyor. He is working to obtain a cost for that work.
n Robert Gower was appointed to the zoning hearing board. He fills a vacancy left by Zane Writer, who was appointed to council. Gower's term expires Dec. 31, 2023.
Contact the writer: achrist
man@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3584
