“After years of being struck by trucks, the signal at one of Reading’s busiest intersections is finally getting moved“
A traffic signal at the intersection of Salem Street and Main Street that has been hit by trucks and other oversized vehicles dozens of times over the years (including last week) is set to be relocated as part of a Town of Reading safety and accessibility improvement project beginning this week.
Construction (weather permitting) is scheduled to start Monday, June 22nd, and will focus on upgrades to the traffic signals at the intersection. Town officials said the work is expected to take approximately one to two weeks to complete.
For many Reading residents, the project marks the end of a long-running problem. The signal pole at the corner of Salem and Main has been a frequent target for trucks attempting to navigate the tight turn through the intersection. Over the years, collisions have damaged signal equipment, disrupted traffic, and resulted in repeated repairs.
The upcoming project will relocate the signal infrastructure, a change intended to improve safety and reduce the likelihood of future strikes while also enhancing accessibility at the intersection.
During construction, motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians should expect temporary detours, lane shifts, and delays in the area. The town said work will be scheduled to minimize impacts during peak commuting hours whenever possible.
Officials are encouraging residents to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and use caution when traveling through the construction zone.
In an announcement about the project, the town thanked residents for their patience as the work is completed, noting that the improvements are designed to enhance both safety and accessibility for everyone who uses the intersection.
The Salem and Main intersection serves as a major gateway into Reading’s downtown and experiences heavy daily traffic. Residents have long pointed to the repeatedly damaged signal as an example of an infrastructure issue that needed a permanent solution. With construction now underway, drivers can expect to see a reconfigured signal setup intended to better accommodate traffic moving through the area while reducing the risk of future collisions.
If construction proceeds as scheduled, the improvements should be completed within the next two weeks.
