Driver and pedestrian safety projects have been improving streets and sidewalks throughout summer 2026. Next phase studies removal of traffic signals
SCRANTON, PA. – On Mon., Oct. 19, the City of Scranton will begin the first phase of a required testing period to evaluate the planned removal of multiple traffic signals downtown. The removal of traffic signals is the next step in Mayor Paige G. Cognetti’s driver and pedestrian safety project downtown that has included the improvement of sidewalks and streetlights, closure of dangerous underground sidewalk vaults, and placement of utility conduit underground throughout the spring and summer of 2026.
“This is a 30-day period of flashing red lights with new stop signs installed, and then 60 days where lights will be bagged and we can make sure that it’s producing the right result, which is safer streets for drivers and pedestrians,” Mayor Cognetti said.
On October 19, crews will begin the first phase of traffic control changes by installing stop signs, turning existing traffic signals to flashing red signals, and starting the testing period for potential traffic signal removal at the following 13 intersections:
- Franklin Avenue at Biden Street
- Biden Street and Penn Avenue
- Biden Street and Wyoming Avenue
- Franklin Avenue at Linden Street
- Linden Street and Penn Avenue
- Linden Street and Wyoming Avenue
- Linden Street and North Washington Avenue
- Linden Street and Adams Avenue
- North Washington Avenue and Vine Street
- Vine Street and Adams Avenue
- Penn Avenue at Vine Street
- Vine Street and Jefferson Avenue
- Olive Street at Jefferson Avenue
Drivers are reminded that they must stop at flashing red traffic signals, just as they would for a stop sign. Both traffic control devices will be in place at these locations.
Lanes will also be tapered to one lane on North Washington Avenue at Linden Street, on Biden Street at Wyoming Avenue, and on Adams Avenue at Linden Street beginning October 19.
Following the minimum 30-day transition phase, the City will convert portions of existing one-way streets to two-way traffic. New two-way traffic patterns will initially be implemented on:
- Biden Street, from Wyoming Avenue to Franklin Avenue
- Linden Street, from Penn Avenue to Jefferson Avenue
- Adams Avenue, from Linden Street to Mulberry Street
- North Washington Avenue, from Olive Street to Mulberry Street
The two-way conversion on the remaining sections of Biden, Linden, Adams, and North Washington will be implemented after installation of traffic signal upgrades at involved intersections in early 2027.
In the study intersections, traffic signals will stay in place but will be de-energized or bagged for a minimum of 60 additional days as City engineers study the overall impact of these changes. Intersections will be studied individually for effectiveness of the stop controls for traffic flow and safety.
The removal of traffic signals follows the City’s detailed analysis of the impacts of these changes on the downtown traffic flow and individual intersection safety and congestion, all of which were included in one of the single largest traffic study and streetscape proposals submitted in the history of Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 4.
Similar projects to remove traffic signals and restore two-way traffic have been successfully completed in communities across the country. Last November, the city of Mobile, Ala., replaced 26 timed traffic signals with all-way stops and converted all or part of seven streets from one-way to two-way traffic to help slow down traffic and create a more navigable street grid.
Streetscape projects to improve pedestrian and driver safety have been a hallmark of the Cognetti administration. Outside of the downtown Scranton project, estimated at $20.4 million, the City celebrated the completion of a nearly $800,000 streetscape along Cedar Avenue in June, and work on the West Scranton gateway project on Main Avenue, estimated to cost $1.6 million, is substantially completed.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, fiscal discipline, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Last modified: October 13, 2026
