Concerns about the new stop signs in the area of the recently reopened Coplay-Northampton Bridge were addressed Jan. 10 by Coplay Police Chief Vincent Genovese.

He reported the signs, installed by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, are there to stay.

Genovese noted drivers stopped for running the new stop signs have been given a verbal courtesy notice. Violators will be issued tickets starting Feb. 1.

One of the new signs is on Chestnut Street, at Front Street, for drivers heading into Northampton. The other sign is at the end of the bridge at Front Street, for those driving into Coplay.

Genovese reported a flashing red light will be installed on top of the stop signs. Some are calling for small red lights to be put around the edges of the entire signs, as seen in other communities with similar situations.

Genovese said the PennDOT decision was based on a review of accident reports on Chestnut Street over several years.