Chief: Intersection Changes Drawing Mixed Reactions

Although temporary changes to the "five points" intersection of Durham Street, Penn Street and Delaware Avenue have been made in the name of safety, on April 16 Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council that not everyone he's spoken to has been pleased with them.

Shupp said that when temporary stop signs were being installed at Delaware and Durham, and lines painted to create a different merger point for Durham and Penn streets, police heard "a mixed bag" of reactions from motorists.

"We had...some people thanking us...and some thinking it was not a good idea," he said.

after --are supposed to be in effect for 30 days.

"I would ask that all council members please drive through (the intersection)," Shupp said. "Give your honest opinion of what you think. Drive through it from all angles."

He added that he thinks the changes have already helped improve safety for motorists traveling through the complex intersection, which has also been upgraded with fresh yellow paint along some sections of curb.

"Even without the (signage) I think the improvements of the visualization of the intersection...I think did a lot," Shupp said.

Council will ultimately have to make the final judgment call about whether any or all of the changes should be implemented on a permanent basis.