Traffic control a concern in Penn

PENN – How traffic will be handled when the proposed Jennersville Medical Building goes in is one of the concerns for the township supervisors and the township planning commission.

At the supervisors’ Nov. 7 meeting, the board hesitated on a request to use radio signals instead of fiber optics to control the new traffic light set for the Route1 off-ramp at Route 796.

Putting in a new traffic signal at the off ramp intersection is part of the plan related to the construction of the new medical building just to the north of that junction. In the past, the board has required developers to cover the costs of new lights with a five-year maintenance contract before the cost of the light reverts to the township.

Nearby signals at the intersection of 796 and Baltimore Pike, and at the shopping center entrances are on a closed fiber optic loop that allows them to be coordinated. The supervisors who spoke believe that a new light should follow the same requirements. “I’m opposed to changing it,” Supervisors’ Chairman Curtis Mason said.

“It messes us up in the future,” Supervisor Victor Mantegna agreed.

Another related traffic change would be the creation of two lanes on the off ramp, one for right turns and one for left. To avoid any additional paved surface that would change the flow of storm water, the shoulder of the ramp will be reconstructed and repaved, but not widened, and the ramp lined for two lanes. Currently, there is only one marked lane, but cars frequently use the shoulder when turning right.

In a current road project for the township, an inactive water line was found beneath the road when digging for the Sunnyside Road, bridge foundations. The township is investigating whether or not there is an easement for anyone to have a right to the undocumented water line, but answering that question could take time away from the construction. Instead of delaying the work on the bridge, the board voted to spend up to $1,000 to run a plastic or metal pipe sleeve under the road in that spot so that the pipe could be easily replaced at a future date without tearing up the new road.

Supervisor Robin Marcello reported that during the recent elections the line seemed to move smoothly throughout the day, but there were some concerns for traffic and parking snarls.

Supervisor William Finnen suggested that in the future the township needs to hire help for the day. “It was a very dangerous situation,” he said. “Somebody has to take charge in these big elections of the traffic control.”

The Penn Township Nov. 21 board meeting is cancelled due to the Thanksgiving holiday. The next supervisors meeting will be held on Dec. 5