The Ironton Rail-Trail Oversight Commission agreed to sponsor two street banners promoted by the Borough of Coplay's planning commission.

The group made the decision at its Feb. 18 meeting.

The banners, depicting the Saylor Cement Kilns and the municipal building, will hang on the borough streets in the spring.

The trail's name will be featured on the lower side of the banners.

Trail members suggested the banners be placed on Ruch Street, near the trail and a stone wall, that was part of a trolley overpass, and North Second Street, near the Saylor Kilns and the trail.

Coplay Mayor Joseph Bundra, a longtime activist with the commission, said the banners will positively promote the trail.

In approving a $300 donation, Bundra said he would raise the remaining funds for the project.

Whitehall Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. informed the trail's board that the parking lot at the trailhead in Stiles will be expanded.

The lot is often filled by the public, who begin their run, walk or cycling from the trailhead, off Columbia and Ruch streets.

Hozza said the expansion will be located west of the pavilion and constructed with fine crushed stones, instead of paving.

Hozza informed the IRT members about Wildlands Conservancy's efforts to remove dams including two dams on the Coplay Creek, in the Egypt area. Hozza said other dams have been removed successfully, including the dam in Jordan Creek at MacArthur Road.

With weather cooperating as spring approaches, the restoration of the combine Pullman Car in the Whitehall Parkway will continue.

Members were informed three memorial benches are to be installed once the winter weather subsides. One is located near Iron Street, the second in the parkway by the combine and the third at the Ranger Lake entrance in North Whitehall Township.

Lehigh County Director of Capital Projects Glenn Solt outlined to the board projects involving the county and the history of the Ironton Rail Trail, whose oversight commission have been involved with the project from its outset.