More traffic delays set on Route 252 in Upper Providence
UPPER PROVIDENCE >> Just when you thought the traffic complications on Route 252 were annoying enough, up popped another one. PennDOT and Aqua PA had already launched a project, estimated at $13 million, to expand the bridge and dam at Springton Reservoir. AQUA has now begun another infrastructure improvement a short distance away.
PennDOT’s press release on the reservoir project between Upper Providence and Marple townships read, “The purpose of the bridge replacement is to address existing deficiencies of the Route 252 (Palmer’s Mill Road) bridge and provide increased span length to accommodate Aqua Pennsylvania’s future spillway improvements that are expected to begin in 2021, after the PennDOT bridge replacement is complete.”
At the end of April, AQUA provided Upper Providence with a letter to customers stating the $1.2 million of new work would focus on installation of 4,229 feet of ductile iron main. Providence Road would have restricted use between Kirk Lane and the borough’s Monroe Street/State Road intersection. It was scheduled to start the week of May 6 with expected completion in September and final road restoration in the fall.
“Regardless of what you read on the PennDOT site, the work will take place overnight,” said township Manager Greg Lebold at the May council meeting. He was referencing an earlier explanation of work from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. That schedule, the township told AQUA, would cause substantial traffic complications given the location of the police and fire departments as well as Rose Tree Elementary School one block east.
AQUA’s letter continued, “After discussion with Upper Providence Township and the Borough of Media, in an effort to minimize impact on the affected neighborhood, we have agreed to schedule the majority of work at night, between the hours of 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. During construction we will provide limited access for emergencies, business and resident traffic.”
Residents, businesses, the school and emergencies services are assured of “reliable access” to their properties with the occasional need to reroute due to changing work zones.
Although Route 252 is a heavily traveled, primary north-south roadway through the county, drivers can be expected to find alternate routes. PennDOT has placed detour signs which will take traffic various routes through the borough, critical for the daily retail, professional and government business.
Information on both projects is available on the township website HYPERLINK “http://www.upperprovidence.org” www.upperprovidence.org.
In other business, related only by a matter of inconvenience and nuisance, residents living near Cherry Street Park once again related to council issues about over use and unbridled parking in the neighborhood. Jamie Roller, an Autumn Lane resident, referred to the situation as “overcrowding and mismanagement” of the park. The township-owned facility schedules use by several local sports organization, which makes spring through fall prime time for youngsters and their families. It is less the actual usage that creates problems, but the associated traffic and parking on adjacent streets, including those named for each season.
“There is no sidewalk for safe walkway for children and parents to get to their cars,” said Roller. She noted the narrow streets, slamming of car doors, “tweets” as doors are locked, alarms and “screaming parents and children,” all as “nightmare” results of the park. “My recommendation is to remove the parking from along the homeowners’ property bordering the park and creating more parking spaces inside the park itself.”
Kevin Reilly, a Cherry Street resident, echoed Roller’s observation on traffic and that organized sports appear to be a priority. “We need to have a little more residential time in the park, such as creating a bike path for kids.”
Reilly also said there is little compliance with stop signs in the area. This brought a direct response from Police Chief David Montella, who was on hand for the meeting.
“You have my assurance we will be there to address the stop signs,” said Montella.
In the event of code violations, parking which blocks access to homes, or any related matter, residents must call 911, township officials said. Roller said she didn’t see those incidents as “emergencies.” But she was informed, if something is to be done, a police report would serve as needed documentation.