West Penn debates potential traffic light at dangerous intersection

Should a traffic light be installed at the dangerous intersection of Route 309 and Route 895 in West Penn Township?

The township previously sent a letter to legislators expressing concerns over the safety of the intersection.

Board of supervisors Chairman Tony Prudenti read the letter, dated Jan. 2, that was sent to state Sen. David Argall and state Rep. Jerry Knowles.

“The residents are concerned with the safety of that intersection. The intersection has been, in the past, the scene of numerous motor vehicle accidents,” the letter said.

In 2010, West Penn Township circulated a petition about this intersection through the township.

“It was a concern back then and it is a concern now,” Prudenti said.

“Especially with the new businesses coming in, we believe the intersection will become more of a hazard. We would like to see a traffic signal installed to help reduce the motor vehicle accidents at that intersection.

“We would like you to urge (the state Department of Transportation) PennDOT to make our intersection a priority, for the safety of our residents and for the travelers that pass through our township. I know West Penn Township would sincerely appreciate your efforts.”

In response, PennDOT District 5 Executive Michael Rebert said that the responsibility (initial installation and maintenance costs) for all electrically operated devices such as traffic signals is that of the local municipality.

Rebert said PennDOT would perform the study to determine if a signal is warranted if it receives a financial commitment from the township to install a signal if it’s warranted; a commitment from the township to supply an AutoCAD drawing of the intersection. PennDOT would add the necessary traffic signal details.

PennDOT requests a traffic signal application from the township to assure the department that the municipality understands that they are responsible for all installation, operational and maintenance costs.

“Upon receipt of the above, we would count the intersection to determine if the signal would be warranted and inform the township of the results,” Rebert stated. “The township also has the option of conducting the warrant study themselves.”

Supervisor Ted Bogosh said he would rather see a realignment of the intersection instead of a light.

Prudenti said that while he agreed with Bogosh as far as the realignment is concerned, he doesn’t believe there’s any way to go with the realignment.

Supervisor Tim Houser said that while he has no problem saying the township will pay for the operation and maintenance, he does have a problem with paying for the installation.

Houser said he does not believe the township should be responsible for the installation of a light on two state highways.

“It’s for the safety of everybody,” Houser said. “It’s a state highway problem that we’re willing to assume some responsibility for.”

He suggested that the board look to have a meeting with Knowles, Argall and PennDOT.