A hazard

At last week's Mahoning Township supervisors' meeting, complaints were aired about some imposing concrete barriers along the side of the road on Route 443 near Ashtown Drive.

The TIMES NEWS took a photo of the situation from the Ashtown Drive entrance and there is absolutely no question that the barriers block the view of on-coming traffic.

They're a hazard and should be removed as soon as possible.

It's not only the view problem from Ashtown Drive which makes them a menace.

The barriers diminish the width of the roadway on Route 443. They are situated against the white line of the highway, cutting off the shoulder completely for the length of the concrete objects.

If they are still up when winter weather arrives, it's going to create a burden for road crews doing plowing.

Apparently the barriers were put up when construction of a left-turn lane was being done on Route 443 for the new Wal-Mart store. We understand the need for such traffic control devises during construction.

The construction appears finished. And, where the barriers are situated, there is no work going on at the present time.

So why haven't they been removed? If more work needs to be done, why is there such a long lull?

The narrow road lane created by the barriers makes it a problem for some drivers, especially senior citizens and individuals who have a problem driving at night.

Hopefully the people responsible for putting the barriers on the highway won't wait until someone is seriously injured or even killed before they are removed.

By Ron Gower

rgower@tnonline.com