Project Status
Step 2 of 4
Design
Next Step: Construction
Project Overview
County: Monroe
Municipality: Mount Pocono Borough and Coolbaugh Township
State Route: 196
Local Name: Sterling Road
Project Type: Intersection safety improvements
MPMS Number: 105966
Proposed Construction Start: 2027
Last Updated: October 2025
Sterling Road (Route 196) is classified as a major collector roadway providing access to residential developments and businesses in Mount Pocono Borough and Coolbaugh Township, Monroe County.
Sterling Road 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 Sterling Road 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 Sterling Road/Pine Hill Road and Sterling Road/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 Sterling Road/Pine Hill Road and Sterling Road/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 Sterling Road 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 Sterling Road 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 the Sterling Road/Green Road intersection - a 75’ southbound right turn lane and a 75’ northbound left turn lane. The Sterling Road 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 Sterling Road 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 Sterling Road to accommodate the additional pavement width associated with the new turn lanes and widened shoulders.
Contact Information
Kris Bellotti
Project Manager
215-600-3940
c-kbellott@pa.gov
Ronald J. Young, Jr., M.P.A.
Press Officer
610-871-4555
ronyoung@pa.gov
Past Public Outreach
Public Comment Period
The public comment period, where the community was encouraged to respond with questions and concerns, was active from July 3, 2024 through August 5, 2024.
Virtual Plans Display
The virtual plans display is available online to view, but the comment period closed on August 5, 2024.
Accessibility
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the Project Manager listed above.
Title VI
Pursuant to the 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 PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.