Route 196/Sterling Road Safety Project

State Route 196 (Sterling Road) is classified as a major collector roadway providing access to residential developments and businesses in Mount Pocono Borough and Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County. 

This online plans display includes digital picture boards and an online questionnaire, and is available to the public until August 5, 2024. 

Route 196 experiences traffic volumes exceeding 5,000 vehicles per day in the present condition and expected to increase to over 6,000 vehicles per day by 2046. The posted speed limits on SR 196 vary from 35-45 mph within the project area. 

The existing roadway cross section consists of two 11’ travel lanes with 3’ shoulders on each side. Utility poles and private signage structures are in close proximity to the road edges. 

In the period from 2017 to 2021, the intersections of Route 196/Pine Hill Road and Route 196/T-589 (Green Road) have developed a crash history exceeding the state average for non-interstate state highways. The primary types of crashes observed at these intersections were rear-end and angle crashes. Due to the elevated crash history located at these intersections, the intersections of Route 196/Pine Hill Road and Route 196/T-589 (Green Road) were identified as the sites for safety improvements included in this project. 

The major improvements proposed at both intersections include the addition of turning lanes, increased shoulder widths, removal or relocation of obstructions within the clear zone, and improved turning radii at the intersection corners. 

At the Pine Hill Road intersection, a 250’ right turn lane on the southbound leg of Route 196 is being proposed. A 100’ left turn lane on the eastbound leg of Pine Hill Road is also being proposed at this intersection. Shoulder widths on both sides of Route 196 at this location will be increased from 3’ to 8’. Additional Right-of-Way will be required in all four intersection quadrants to accommodate increased pavement radii and roadway width.

Two turning lanes are proposed on Route 196 at the T-589 (Green Road) intersection, a 75’ southbound right turn lane and a 75’ northbound left turn lane. The Route 196 shoulder will be increased from 3’ to 8’ on the western side and increased from 3’ to 6’ on the eastern side. The proposed 6’ shoulder on the eastern side of Route 196 will require a design exception since it is less than the 8’ shoulder required based on the design criteria. Additional Right-of-Way will be required along the western side of Route 196 to accommodate the additional pavement width associated with the new turn lanes and widened shoulders.

Individuals or groups with a demonstrated interest within the project limits, surrounding businesses, and local property owners that may be affected by the proposed project are encouraged to review the displays and contact us with any questions. 

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. 

It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project's potential effect upon cultural resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. 

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, please contact PennDOT Project Manager Kris Bellotti at c-kbellott@pa.gov or 215-600-3940. 

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201. 

For more information on projects occurring or being bid this year, those made possible by or accelerated by the state transportation funding plan (Act 89), or those on the Department’s Four- and Twelve-Year Plans, visit www.projects.penndot.gov.