The Whitehall Township Public Works Department has responded to citizen complaints regarding drivers near the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge project.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said the township public works department "investigated and solved access problems with detour of local streets around the tri-bridges project."

Residents whose homes are located off Front Street, and whose vehicles are parked in the back of their residences, can access through routes the township has put in place.

For people on Water Street, ingress and egress to their properties is permissible. Barricades and signs advise motorists access is permitted only for local traffic.

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In other business, it was announced the public works department is continuing to distribute tree trimming reminder letters and follow up with residents.

Personnel assisted the recreation bureau with various assignments, such as hauling and tree removal at parks and trails. The department also has assisted with excavating and providing brush cutting, cleanup at mowing areas and compiling data for a state contract replacement of a mower which is budgeted.

An old diesel tank at the municipal building will be removed and bids put together for recycling of the Village Green barn.

Traffic light emergency power procedures have been put in place with four traffic lights set up for power backup this year. The board was informed the fuel tank gauge system was rewired due to water found in the conduit. The conduit was installed inside of the building to meet codes.

Although snowfall has been less than previous years, the public works department has been busy with patch work because of the thawing and freezing of road surfaces.

Public works Chief John Rackus indicated anti-skid materials were utilized for certain sections in order to stretch road salt usage since the hauler was late with deliveries because of back-to-back storms.

The board was advised of a need to increase the storage capacity for salt.