ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Allentown City Council voted Wednesday night to amend its 2026 capital fund budget to provide for an increase of $95,225 to the traffic signals upgrade expenditure account to allow for the emergency repair of two traffic signals.
Director of Public Works Director Mark Shahda said the traffic signals at the intersections of Sixth and Walnut streets and on Union Boulevard in front of Coca-Cola Park were knocked down from weather-related damage about three weeks ago.
Shahda asked council to suspend its rules and approve the ordinance Wednesday night without having the normally required 14-day period following its introduction.
Council suspended the rules, but questioned why it took three weeks for the request to be made.
Shahda said the department had to go through its internal process in having a risk assessment of the claims to find the required funds.
He explained that the funds were found in one of the capital accounts and will be transferred to allow the city to proceed with the repairs.
By declaring an emergency situation, the city is exempt from having to go through the regular bidding process.
Shahda said the bid process takes between six to eight weeks and that he doesn’t feel comfortable waiting that long to award a bid.
But even without that time for bidding, Shahda said the repairs could take a few months because of supply chain issues.
Also Wednesday, Council President Santo Napoli announced several special upcoming council meetings:
March 25 at 6:30 p.m. to consider the appointment of Frank Kane to the vacant position of managing director.
April 8 at 6 p.m. to have a join meeting with the parking authority to discuss ongoing issues and concerns.
April 22 at 6 p.m. to hold a discussion with the Allentown Neighborhood Improvement Zone Development Authority.