County officials outline plan to restore highway lighting along 422 Corridor

The Berks County Board of Commissioners convened on March 20, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues, primarily focusing on the ongoing challenges related to highway lighting along the 422 Corridor.

The meeting began with an update on the lighting situation around the cloverleaf of Route 422 and Penn Street. Commissioners noted that many residents have observed downed light poles and non-functioning lights in the area. The county, in collaboration with MedEd, Pagoda Electric, and McCormick Taylor, has been working to devise a plan to address these issues. It was reported that work is set to commence at the Lancaster Avenue exit later this week, with the goal of illuminating most lights in that vicinity by the following week. However, officials cautioned that while this is the plan, unforeseen complications could arise.

Key developments include the arrival of control boxes at MedEd's material yard, which are scheduled for installation by April 1. MedEd has authorized Pagoda Electric to begin necessary repairs and installations of light heads and bulbs. Additionally, PennDOT has streamlined the permitting process for lane closures, allowing work to proceed more efficiently. Lane closures will be permitted only during nighttime hours, specifically from 9 PM to 6 AM, and will not occur on weekends or holidays.

Despite these advancements, the commissioners expressed frustration over the convoluted ownership and responsibility for the lighting infrastructure, which has been a longstanding issue. The county only owns one road, County Welfare Road, complicating matters further. The commissioners acknowledged the efforts of the facilities department in trying to improve the situation but emphasized the bureaucratic challenges that persist.

In addition to the lighting update, the meeting included a brief mention of a recent municipal officials dinner, which featured a new format and was hosted by Channel 69 news anchor Tom Raider, highlighting various community topics through video clips.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to resolving the lighting issues along the 422 Corridor while navigating the complexities of governmental responsibilities. The commissioners remain hopeful for progress in the coming weeks as collaborative efforts continue.