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Union Township is looking to possibly remove a crosswalk at the intersection of Interstate 72 and Jonestown Road, supervisors and township staff said at the March 12 board meeting.
This could improve safety and save the township money, officials said.
There are currently four pedestrian poles at the intersection, which have buttons and signs that signal when walkers should cross. According to township manager Brent McFeaters, the placement of some of those signs has been problematic for the township.
They are several feet from the pumps at the nearby Hutter’s and Turkey Hill gas stations. Cars regularly hit them, which requires the township to put them back in place. Each instance costs $1,500, and the township has a $500 deductible.
McFeaters said the poles on the south side of the intersection are struck most often. It has cost the township thousands of dollars in the seven years he’s been in his position.
“The one ped pole has probably been hit seven times since I’ve been here, and two or three on the Hutter’s side. Anybody that gets gas there, they’re in ridiculous places,” he said. “Unfortunately, PennDOT put the improvements in, and they turned it over to us, so every time that pole gets hit, it’s $1,500.”
McFeaters said the driver’s insurance company pays for the damages if they are caught, but that has only happened a handful of times.
There have also been pedestrian safety concerns at the intersection, with one man dying after being struck by a car in January.
Read More: Pedestrian killed in early morning crash at Rt. 72 & Jonestown Road (Updated)
Any action regarding the poles will need to be approved by PennDOT. Engineer Stephen Sherk said they have spoken to people in the office, and they “seemed sympathetic.”
He said pedestrians would still be able to get around the intersection, but it may take more steps.
“If you have three legs of the intersection signalized with the pedestrian crossings and the crosswalks, someone could theoretically get around to where they need to — they just have to cross more legs,” Sherk said.
Before getting rid of the two poles that have caused problems for the township, a traffic study would be required to determine how many cars come through the intersection and how many pedestrians use the crosswalks. According to Sherk, this work would cost an estimated $6,500 and take about three to six months to complete.
Supervisors ultimately decided to table the discussion for a future meeting.
In other business, supervisors:
- Approved several waivers, as recommended by the planning commission. These include waivers to requirements for the Marlin Champ stormwater management plan at 19 Huckleberry Road and the Daniel Rupp minor subdivision plan at 21 Gold Mine Road. Sherk said they are working on drafting a new subdivision ordinance that would change requirements depending on the type of construction so supervisors don’t have to approve waivers when they don’t apply to the development.
- Approved the payment for four tires needed for the John Deere boom mower from McCarthy Tire Service for $6,340.06. McFeaters said the quote includes the price of the tires and labor costs.
The Union Township Board of Supervisors will have its next regular monthly meeting at 3111 PA-72 on April 9 after the 6:30 p.m. sewer meeting.
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