Boyertown >> A portion of Third Street is now officially – and permanently – closed to traffic to accommodate the town’s newest attraction – the Colebrookdale Railroad.
Crews were busy setting up barricades on Monday. The closing will divert drivers to either Second Street or onto Philadelphia Avenue via Pear and Chestnut streets.
“This is being done at the request of the Colebrookdale Railroad,” explained Borough Manager Patricia Loder.
Permanent barricades now block the section from Pear Street to Chestnut Street; no re-direction signs will be placed.
According to Loder, signs were posted 30 days in advance of the closure make residents aware of the change and to remain in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation regulations. She says she hasn’t received any calls about the closure since the signs were posted.
The Boyertown Borough Council approved the ordinance back in December of 2015 with a vote of 6-1. The approval was met with applause by local business owners and residents in attendance.
Prior to the official vote, an open public hearing was held to offer community members an opportunity to voice their comments and concerns with the council.
Discussions surrounding the issue began back in early fall following a proposal by the Colebrookdale Railroad Preservation Trust to permanently close the section of the road to allow the trains to be maintained in a convenient and safe manner. This change will also allow Boyertown serve as the railroad’s base of operations.
