Politics & Government
Palmer Delays Proposal to Reroute Bus Line
LANTA had hoped to use Newlins Mill Road during Tatamy Bridge closure.
Palmer Township supervisors have delayed a bus rerouting proposal that would use Newlins Mill Road and avoid the closed Tatamy Bridge. The supervisors also heard complaints from a Newlins Mill Road resident about existing traffic and safety problems.
The Lehigh and Northampton Transportation Authority (LANTA) has proposed temporarily rerouting the former C bus line along Newlins Mill Road starting in September. The route, which will now be the 214 College Hill/Forks-Shiloh Manor line, is hoping to travel between the Slate Belt and Easton.
LANTA had hoped to use the Tatamy Bridge, but with the bridge closed until 2012, the bus company is asking to temporarily use Newlins Mill Road. In May, the Tatamy Bridge, which was already slated for repairs, was closed due to deck damage.
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The supervisors on Tuesday tabled LANTA's proposal, with members saying they’d rather see Northwood Avenue used during the bridge closure.
“The bridge at Penn Pump is already congested now,” said Supervisor David Colver. “Buses will only add to it.” The bridge at Penn Pump is on Northwood Avenue.
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Meanwhile, a couple who live on Newlins Mill Road complained about what they said is unauthorized truck traffic along the road.
“There’s more trucks and more buses,” said June Roettger. “Every day it’s like Saturday.”
Roettger said in recent weeks she has seen an increase in both truck and bus traffic.
“If we’ve got semis cutting across from the industrial park we’ve got other problems,” said Colver.
Township police say they will look into the unauthorized truck matter.
Regarding bus traffic, Roettger said, “Between 4 and 5 o’clock there were at least six to nine buses.”
Roettger said she has seen people go as far as being dropped off in her driveway. She also expressed concern over safety with the bicycle path in the area.
“There has been a couple of accidents in front of our house already and a couple of near-misses with children on bicycles,” said Roettger.
A spokesperson from LANTA was not available for comment.
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