Union Township approves engineering work to remove, move pedestrian poles

This article was funded by LebTown donors as part of our Civic Impact Reporting Project.

The Union Township Board of Supervisors voted April 9 to move forward in the process of trying to remove one pedestrian pole and relocate another at the southeast and southwest corners of the intersection of State Route 72 and Jonestown Road.

Doing the necessary research before submitting a proposal to PennDOT will cost about $6,500, according to the meeting’s agenda. Council members were concerned about spending the money and having PennDOT not approve the proposal but ultimately decided the costs of repairing the pole when it’s hit by vehicles was worth the risk.

Read More: Union Township looks to remove crossing at 72 and Jonestown Road intersection

Currently, there are four pedestrian poles at the intersection. They have buttons and signs that signal when walkers should cross.

Township manager Brent McFeaters said 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, and each time it happens without the driver being caught, it costs the township about $1,500 to put them back in place.

Engineer Stephen Sherk said he heard feedback that removing one crosswalk would be a reasonable ask, but he said his colleagues will move slowly to make sure they aren’t doing unnecessary work.

“I would tell them to take a step-by-step approach and make sure he’s certain that we would get this approved before he goes out, makes traffic signal plans, and submits that permit application,” he said during the meeting.

Sherk and McFeaters said they can include the township’s records of how many times the poles have been hit, how much each instance cost, and which times it was covered by insurance companies. McFeaters said they have paid for the repairs more often than not. 

If removed, there would still be three pedestrian crossings at the intersection, and pedestrians could still navigate to all four corners, just possibly by needing a longer route.

In other business, supervisors approved payments:

• To Arthur Pat Aungst Inc. for the Campmeeting Road culvert replacement for $44,489. McFeaters said the project is completed, and they are waiting for final reports.
• Of an invoice for $31,424 to H.A. Thomson Co. for the township’s automotive and property insurance coverage for 2025-26.
• Of $650 for the county’s tire collection so township residents can drop off tires at the Lebanon Expo Center on April 30. Anyone looking to drop off tires must pre-register online by April 14. McFeaters said about 20 to 30 people usually participate, and the township paying the contribution amount means residents within the township aren’t required to pay.

Union Township supervisors will have its next regular monthly meeting at 3111 PA-72 on May 14 following the 6:30 p.m. sewer meeting.