PennDOT Recommends Traffic Signal Removal at Two City Intersections

LOCK HAVEN – The state transportation department would like to see the City of Lock Haven remove traffic signal lights at two intersections, Main and Hanna Streets and Water and Grove Streets. But city council Monday night did not seem to think the PennDOT recommendations are good ones.

Council heard the results of a “traffic signal removal analysis engineering and traffic study” which recommended the removal of the existing signal lights. While no council action was taken Monday, there were no favorable comments as to the PennDOT proposals. Council member Bill Mincer said if the lights are taken out at Main and Hanna, there would be unimpeded through traffic all the way from the Constitution Bridge to Jay Street. Concerns were also expressed about through traffic in the vicinity of the Lock Haven YMCA at the intersection of Water and Grove Streets.

The PennDOT study comes as the traffic signals at the Main – Hanna intersection are inoperable and stop signs have been placed on both sides of Hanna Street emptying onto Main Street. City officials have indicated they have no desire to make short term repairs to the existing lights due to the cost involved.

City council did approve a contract for repairs to the Tidlow Dam on the Susquehanna River. A $393,000 contract was awarded to the low bidder, Greenland Construction of Clearfield. Per the contract, the repairs will not begin until after Labor Day. The water level at Lock Haven is expected to drop from its normal eight foot pool to six feet in depth. The lower level would take the boat launch area in Woodward Township out of use while the repairs are completed. Officials said boat owners will be given advance notice as to when the repairs will begin.