A Whitehall Township street that was closed to traffic for more than a year after a pedestrian was fatally hit by a car on Christmas is now open, officials said Thursday.
The closing of Water Street in the “Darktown” part of the township prompted concerns from residents. Many attended township meetings to complain about lack of access to the neighborhood and traffic woes.
Township Commissioner Taylor Stakes, who was elected in 2025, said he made it one of his missions to get the road reopened.
“Residents have been asking for Water Street to reopen for more than a year, and they deserved to have their concerns heard,” Stakes said. “When I ran for office, I promised I would work to find a solution. I’m proud that we were able to work together as a board, push the administration to take action and finally get this road reopened.”
Water Street is open to one-way traffic from Lehigh Street to Eberhart Road, traveling north to south. Township officials said in a statement that the configuration was developed with traffic engineers to address the road’s limitations, reduce traffic speeds and provide safer pedestrian access.
Edward D. Tomcics, 75, died after he was hit by a car while crossing the street Dec. 25, 2024. Police said the motorist was speeding. Water Street had a 25 mph, speed limit at the time of the crash.
The driver, Etienne Theagene, 47, was charged with homicide by vehicle and other crimes. He’s scheduled to stand trial in Lehigh County Court in January.
Stakes said work will continue to make the road safe.
“This is a major step forward, but our work isn’t finished,” Stakes said. “I believe we can find a permanent solution that safely restores two-way traffic. That’s what I’ll continue advocating for, and I look forward to working with my colleagues and our township engineers and staff to make it happen.”
Stakes credited residents for keeping the pressure on township officials to get the road reopened.
“Countless residents spoke up, attended meetings, reached out to commissioners and refused to let this issue be forgotten,” Stakes said. “Their persistence made a difference.”