Allentown’s Main Street Reopens Following Accident
In Allentown, New Jersey, on May 25, 2023, at approximately 10:10 p.m, Hope Fire Company received an emergency dispatch call for a vehicle crash into a utility pole near 73 South Main Street. Upon arrival, the firefighters confirmed damage to the utility pole but found no vehicle in sight. Firefighters also reported that cables were down and the situation called for the Monmouth County Highway Department to bring barricades to close the main street.
The road closure is due to severe damage to the utility pole, and repairs by the PSE&G utility company were required. The extent of damage to the utility pole is unclear at this point, and the police authorities have not provided much detail regarding the accident or the vehicle involved. Main Street is closed between High Street and Lakeview Drive for an indefinite period as emergency services assess the damage further.
In the past year, there has been a significant increase in vehicle crashes on Allentown’s Main Street, with some resultant fatalities and severe injuries. The lack of street lighting, narrow lanes, and a limited speed limit are some contributing factors to these accidents. Allentown Mayor, Thomas Fritts, shared that the increase in accidents calls for further infrastructure development to ensure residents’ safety.
The police have urged residents to remain calm during the road closure and avoid using Main Street for the time being. Additionally, the Police Department has requested eyewitnesses to come forward and assist with investigations regarding the crash into the utility pole. Speaking on the matter, a police spokesperson has cautioned drivers to exercise caution at all times and avoid reckless driving in the future.
Allentown residents have expressed concerns about the frequency of road closures due to accidents and the need for better road safety measures. The recent accident has reignited calls for further infrastructure development and stringent traffic regulations to reduce the number of accidents.
