Two stop signs to be added at Ross intersection

The intersection of Meixsell Valley Road and Bonser Road in Ross Township will soon have two new stop signs.

There is only one sign at the “T” right now.

Township engineer Russell R. Kresge Jr. conducted an engineering and traffic study on this intersection in January.

“The existing configuration, with a stop control of only the southeast bound approach lane of Bonser Road (the through road), allows two potential uncontrolled conflicts in the intersection between vehicles approaching from northwest-bound Bonser Road and those approaching from Meixsell Valley Road,” the study says.

The study found three alternative configurations: a stop sign at the intersecting street approach, a stop sign at both approaches of the through road and a stop sign at all three approaches.

The third option, a three-way stop, would be the least confusing to drivers.

“Stop control of all three approaches is acceptable because it eliminates uncontrolled conflicting vehicle paths and is more intuitive of the two applicable alternatives, and, therefore, is the recommended alternative,” Kresge’s report said.

The three Ross Township supervisors agreed during their monthly meeting on Feb. 4 and made the motion to advertise the stop sign ordinance.

Township Secretary-Treasurer Doris Price is not aware of any vehicle crashes at the intersection, but there definitely is a lot of uncertainty when approaching it, she said.

The three-way stop will eliminate such confusion.

Solicitor Tim McManus will write up the ordinance, and road foreman Ethan Brewer will install the stop signs.

The study has additional recommendations and requirements.

For instance, it states that “For each new stop sign installation, a W3-1 stop ahead sign (30 by 30 inches) must be installed.”

The report also recommends a transition period of six to eight weeks where a flashing red warning light should be installed on the stop sign and a flashing amber warning light should be installed on the stop ahead sign.