Polk Valley Road Traffic Light Isn't Needed, Councilors Say

Hellertown Borough Council members on May 20 echoed concerns raised by a borough business owner about a planned traffic light at Polk Valley Road and Main Street (Route 412), on the border with Lower Saucon Township.

McDonald's owner Jim McIntyre told council he continues to oppose the light, which he said isn't needed.

"If there was a need, I'd be coming to you asking for a light," he said. "(Polk Valley is) a very low use road."

He also questioned the validity of a traffic study that supports the installation of the light, which he said is now eight years old.

In the intervening years, traffic patterns may have changed to reduce traffic at the Polk Valley Road intersection, McIntyre said.

Although Saucon Valley school buses have used Polk Valley as a route to Main Street in the past, Mayor Richard Fluck said his understanding was that the buses are now being redirected to Walnut Street, to the north.

Councilman Tom Rieger said a lot of money was recently spent to upgrade the Walnut-Main Street intersection, which is the nearest intersection to Polk Valley with a traffic light.

"I too don’t see a need for this light," Rieger said, echoing a comment made by councilwoman Gail Nolf.

Rieger added that he believes Lower Saucon Township's development of Polk Valley Park has been a factor in the push for the light's installation.

Instead of a light, he suggested that a "No Left Turn" sign could be installed at the intersection.

Rieger also took a moment to thank McIntyre for contributions made to various civic organizations and charities by McDonald's of Hellertown.

"There's a lot you do for the community that a lot of people don't know about," he said. "I just wanted to...give you a public thank you."