Allentown is restricting traffic near the busy 7th and Hamilton downtown intersection as it begins work on a $6.5 million redesign to Center Square, home to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.<\/p>\n
The redesign plans would shift Seventh Street down to two lanes and add a bike lane on one side, and eliminate one of the two lanes of Hamilton Street that bisect around the monument at the intersection. The work would create a plaza-type space around the monument that could be used for public events and outdoor seating.<\/p>\n
The prominent and busy intersection at the heart of downtown Allentown is home to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, a 90-foot high statue with a decorative base flanked by four life-size soldiers, and an 80-foot granite shaft topped by the Goddess of Liberty statue.<\/p>\n
It was dedicated in 1899 to honor the 47th Pennsylvania Volunteers who served during the American Civil War.<\/p>\n
The first phase of work involves waterline upgrades performed by the Lehigh County Authority. The following lane restrictions and traffic interruptions will take place over the next several weeks:<\/p>\n
Oct. 20\u201322: Lane restrictions only
\nOct. 23\u201329: No left turn onto Hamilton Street while traveling south on 7th Street
\nOct. 30\u201331: Lane restrictions only
\nNov. 3\u20134: No right turn onto 7th Street while traveling east on Hamilton Street
\nNov. 5\u201314: Lane restrictions only<\/p>\n
More road closures, restrictions and detours will be necessary as the construction moves forward, which will likely be in the spring, according to a city news release. Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays when traveling through the area during construction periods.<\/p>\n
The city began soliciting resident feedback on a possible redesign of the intersection in 2023.<\/a><\/p>\n