Corbet Street traffic light upgrade in Tarentum delayed by supply shortage, but must be completed this year

A new traffic light at Corbet Street and 10th Avenue got the green light from Tarentum Council more than a year ago, but a supply chain shortage has stalled the project.

Borough Manager Dwight Boddorf said he met with engineers last week, and work is expected to be done this summer.

It will cost $215,800 to replace the traffic signals and add a third crosswalk.

Work is being paid by a state grant awarded through PennDOT in 2019 to the borough, but the catch is the project has to be finished this year.

“As long as we finish it by December, we’ll get the grant money,” Boddorf said.

Money will come through the Automated Red Light Enforcement Transportation Enhancements grant program, which generates fines through monitored intersections, according to PennDOT.

The Corbet Street project is expected to improve safety at the busy intersection.

Mayor Bob Lang said the new equipment will include license plate readers and traffic cameras.

There also will be a left-hand turn signal toward Corbet to ease the backups that often occur.

A pedestrian countdown signal is planned, and traffic lights will be revamped to include a system to allow emergency vehicles to pass through without being stopped by a red light.

“That one up there is ancient,” Councilwoman Carrie Fox said. “This will modernize it.”

Councilwoman Lou Ann Homa said the contract was awarded at this time last year to Traffic Systems and Services Inc.

Work initially was expected to be done by last October, but covid-related supply shortages are to blame for it being delayed.

Traffic will be detoured once the project begins. Signs will be posted.