Tell Us: Are Traffic Police Needed on Rt. 412?

In response to a question posted Monday on Hellertown Patch's Facebook page, readers are voicing their opinions about overwhelmed intersections at the north end of Main Street, near the Route 412 interchange on I-78.

Specifically, readers are saying there needs to be police officers or flagger forces deployed to help prevent traffic from blocking the intersections during rush hour.

Although traffic lights on Main Street were retimed Friday to help reduce congestion related to the latest phase of PennDOT's three-year Route 412 widening project in Hellertown and Bethlehem, readers are reporting that problems are still prevalant in the area where access to several side streets is currently limited.

Below is a sampling of quotes from readers in response to the question: Do you think police should be stationed at the intersections of Main Street and Cherry Lane/Main and High streets to help keep people from blocking the intersections during rush hour?

Keri Diamond: "Yes. Hellertown needs to do something about all the traffic issues caused by the construction."

Sunny Sonnenrein: "It was bad enough on Saturday morning without rush hour. So yes, I would presume some police presence might help during peak times."

Randy Yardumian: "The state created the problem, the state should fix the problem (PSP directing traffic) but don't hold your breath."

Tammy Gonzalez: "This is not an issue for the police, sounds more like something for flag force...."

Janice Harkovich Henn: "Yes and keep them from running red lights..see that at least 3 to 5 times a week."

Michele Trzepla Madison: "Yes. And ticket drivers speeding thru side streets and alleys. School isn't even out yet—pretty soon the town will be full of kids riding bikes and walking to the pool—how are we going to keep them safe?"

Dane Janas: "Yes, absolutely! I go to college in Kutztown, and at peak times when grade school is letting out, public safety officers & police officers help control the stoplights near the grade schools—it works great when there is an ACTUAL person there controlling the stoplight. I feel Bethlehem should station officers at the lights at I-78, and Hellertown should station one officer at Cherry Ln and another at High Street. Even if they are not controlling the stoplight, they would keep traffic moving more safely. I thought it was AMAZING that even though traffic backs up for miles nearly every day, even at rush hour - there are NO police to be found. Wait until a huge accident happens, then they'll stop being so lazy."

What is your answer to the question? Tell us by posting a comment below.