Township addresses safety on Route 422

AMITY » Modifying a dangerous intersection along Route 422 to reduce motor vehicle accidents is beginning with “baby steps,” according to Board of Supervisors Chairperson Kimberly J. McGrath.

She was referring to PennDOT’s recommendation for the township to install two new “No U-turn” signs at westbound Route 422 and North Monocacy Creek Road.

The “No U-turn” recommendation was made by PennDOT at a Feb. 8 meeting with board members, township officials and the Amity Police Department.

Police Chief Andrew J. Kensey said at the board’s Feb. 7 meeting that 70 accidents have occurred at that intersection since 2012.

“They are working on other

improvements for that intersection,” McGrath at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting.

Board members attribute many of the accidents to the 55 mile per hour speed limit upon entering the township from the west at Baumstown, on eastbound Route 422.

The speed limit is reduced to 45 miles per hour just west of North Monocacy Creek Road, but officials said many drivers don’t slow down and can’t stop (or won’t stop) when the traffic signal lights turn to yellow — and red.

Eastbound drivers — who are going too fast, and through the yellow and red lights — often collide with

the oncoming, westbound vehicles who attempt to turn left onto North Monocacy Creek Road, and also with the vehicles who turn right onto Route 422 from that road, before the eastbound traffic is stopped at the light.

“What we want are signs indicating that there is a speed reduction, before going over the hill (on eastbound Route 422),” said McGrath.

The board approved to request a speed reduction on Route 422, which PennDOT said will first require a traffic study.

State transportation officials said they will determine and notify the township if there is any speed or other traffic signage now absent along Route 422 from Baumstown to North Monocacy Creek

Road.

“PennDOT said they will tell us which signs are supposed to be there — what signs are permitted and what can we get?” said Supervisor Terry L. Jones.

He said the cost for the township to purchase the “no U-turn” signs is $40 to $80 per sign, plus the hourly rate for a contractor to install them.

Intersection repair costs due to the accidents has cost the township about $8,000.

The township will hold its first public meeting of the 300th Anniversary celebrations of its incorporation in 1619, on March 26, at 7 p.m., at the township building

Supervisor Kevin Keifreider said the committee has currently raised $25,000.