New, improved sidewalks under construction in West Reading

Pedestrians in West Reading would do well to walk carefully on Fifth Avenue between Penn Avenue and Cherry Streets. On Monday June 8 both sides of the sidewalk were completely ripped up as road crews were busy making changes to the block in West Reading's commercial district.

Small walkways lead from the entrances of businesses on that stretch of Fifth Avenue into the street, but people on foot must contend with car traffic and construction.

George Tindall, the borough manager, said the work involves new curbs, sidewalks, street trees and streetlights -- similar to what's on Penn Avenue. Crews are making the improvements from the traffic circle to Cherry Street. Work should be finished with the work within the next 30-45 days, Tindall said, adding that the work that most heavily affects traffic through the area should be complete in the next two weeks.

He also said grant money from Berks County and the state is funding the street improvements.

Here’s what the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue looked like on Monday, June 8:



More photos showing the progress will follow in the weeks to come.