ARIANNA MCKEE/THE EXPRESS The City of Lock Haven recently hired M&B Services to update traffic signals at the intersection of Bellefonte Avenue, Second Avenue and Barton Street through a PennDOT Green Light Go Grant. Construction is expected to take place until August.

LOCK HAVEN — Work has begun at the intersections of Bellefonte Avenue, Second Avenue and Barton Street, as the city upgrades its traffic signals.

The upgrades are part of the city’s on-going efforts to upgrade signals throughout the city — with previous upgrades being made to various intersections in the Central Business District by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

“A few years ago, PennDOT upgraded numerous other signals in the city, but not the Bellefonte Avenue, Second Avenue and Barton Street intersection or North Fairview Street and Water Street intersection,” City Planner Abbey Roberts said.

In 2022, the city received a $351,719 Green Light Go Grant to update the remaining signals.

Since then, Roberts said, the city hired engineering firm TransAssociates to design the project and awarded a construction bid to M&B Services.

Work on the project will take place in stages until August 2025. It will also include upgrading sidewalks to ADA compliance and curb cuts.

“The foundations for the new signal poles and all road crossings and sidewalks will be completed by May. The poles themselves and other signal equipment are estimated to ship in July and will be installed shortly after,” Roberts.

Traffic patterns aren’t expected to be affected during the construction, she said. She added the public will be notified if that changes.

“Overall, the improvements to this intersection will increase safety for motorists and pedestrians,” she said.

Signal upgrades aren’t the only upcoming projects for the city this summer.

Roberts said Phase 3A of the Sunset Pines Drainage and Roadway improvements is slated for the summer.

Roberts said this phase of the project will mainly address stormwater, drainage and paving within the development including placing/replacing inlets, stormwater piping and curbing. The main area of focus for this phase is Hemlock Drive, with some work being completed on neighboring streets.

“The project was recently awarded to Big Rock Paving and construction and will start shortly,” she said. All improvements will be completed by August.

“The city continues to make phased improvements to the Sunset Pines neighborhood to enhance stormwater infrastructure and increase the quality of life for residents,” Roberts said.

Both projects will be listed on the city’s Civil Space page — https://lockhavenpa.civilspace.io/en — where individuals can sign up to receive updates as they progress.