The safety of those who use the 2.8-mile section of the Delaware & Lehigh Trail in Cementon was raised at the Aug. 11 meeting of the Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.

Board President Linda Snyder expressed concern with the increased traffic along the trail. She said action must be taken before someone on the trail is injured.

"It is a very serious situation," Snyder said.

She said the problem is heightened by some trail visitors who park their vehicles on the Lafarge Cement Company property and another private tract of land and then walk across the busy two-lane road.

"I have seen as many as 25 persons at a time cross the street," Snyder said.

Motorists on occasion park on private properties in the neighborhood.

Snyder said there is a lack of public parking for those using the trail. Lehigh County is expected to be consulted regarding the matter.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr. said one solution might include placing the trail and crossing under the future Cementon-Northampton Bridge, similar to the Ironton Rail-Trail at the Hokendauqua-North Catasauqua Bridge.

As the administration and board search for a solution, Snyder said signage and white broad painted stripes on the road and portable toilet facilities are also needed. The Delaware and Lehigh trailhead is in the shadow of the Lafarge Cement kilns.

The Cementon section of the trail continues to Laurys Station and part of the 165-mile hiking trail that will eventually connect White Haven, Luzerne County, and to Bucks County to the south, following old canal paths and former railroad beds.