Township reviews preliminary road study
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. 鈥� Supervisors reviewed a few solutions offered Thursday in a preliminary report tied to traffic speed and likely hazards along East Crawford Avenue.
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) study, said Supervisor Bob Carson, agrees with an earlier study conducted by the state transportation department that in most cases drivers are exceeding the posted 30 mph speed limit by 20 mph.
Also, that the sight distance for the 50 mph speed is insufficient at the intersection of East Blake and East Crawford avenues.
The studies were conducted at the request of the township following complaints from Poplar Grove residents about the purported dangerous intersection.
The LTAP study indicates that the sight distance should be increased from the current 196 feet to 462 feet to accommodate the higher speed on the state-maintained East Crawford Avenue.
Another solution offered by the preliminary LTAP study is to strictly enforce the speed limit.
Carson said that state police have increased patrols along the road in recent weeks.
鈥淎nyone going to church late Sunday and exceeding the speed limit likely got caught,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hey are doing a good job.鈥�
The study additionally advised the township to take advantage of in place regulations that permit the municipality to clear right-of-ways of hazards, including trees and shrubs.
Complaints have been levied by residents about several pine trees on private property that allegedly interfere with sight distance.
Also, the report urges the township to work with the transportation department to improve signage and install devices to control traffic speed.
Carson, meanwhile, said that supervisors are considering all options and will review the final LTAP report before making a final decision in the matter.
鈥淚t will all be on the table for discussion,鈥� he said. 鈥淥ur goal is to make it as safe as possible.鈥�
In other action, the township also conducted the following business:
n Introduced an ordinance that would allow the annual collection of a $52 Local Services Tax beginning in January. The tax, if approved, would be collected from all those employed at a township-based business.
n Requested residents observe barricaded roadways. Carson said the barricades are erected to maintain a safe area for workers trimming trees, paving roads or performing other maintenance duties.
n Announced road workers will be trimming trees in township right-of-ways.