Reading City Council seeks public comment on opening of River Road extension

Construction of the long-awaited River Road extension in Reading is nearly completed, but one last step is required before the short connecting route can be opened to traffic.

City Council must authorize the opening and development of the 900 block of Lincoln Street in the area of the Schuylkill Avenue bridge, said council President Donna Reed.

To do so, Reed said, council must adopt an ordinance, which was introduced May 22, and provide an opportunity for public comment.

Those who missed the chance to comment last month when the bill was presented and who still wish to do so can register to speak at one of two upcoming public council meetings scheduled for June 12 and 26 at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers in City Hall, 815 Washington St.

The project started with a feasibility study in 2011, but ground was not broken until June 2021.

The project goal is twofold: to facilitate transportation to and from the River Road industrial park and to increase safety at the intersection of Schuylkill Avenue and West Windsor Street, a representative of the city's public works department said last year.

The project will link the industrial park to major routes by opening River Road to West Spring Street, and extending Lincoln Street to West Windsor Street and from there to Schuylkill Avenue, which is Route 183.

The road will cut through a former Reading School District playground on West Windsor Street.

The city used eminent domain to take the land.

The second objective was achieved last year when the former six-way intersection was reduced to four ways and a new three-color traffic light was installed to replace what had been a blinking yellow-red signal.

Council is expected to take action on the proposed ordinance at its June 26 meeting.

For a copy of the proposed ordinance or to register to speak in person or virtually, email the city clerk's office at [email protected] or call 610-655-6204.

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