Traffic/Pedestrian Crossing Signals "Fried" By PECO
UPDATE (01/04/2024): Son Speaking Out After His Mom Was Struck Twice By A Car In #NewtownPA.
I believe the “mom” mentioned in this article is the resident who emailed me back in July 2023 requesting increased timing for pedestrians at that intersection (see below),
UPDATE (8/23/2023): The August 8, 2023, Bills List shows a payment of $83,686.67 to ARMOUR & SONS ELECTRIC INC. for “REPAIR TRAFFIC SIGNAL/DVHIT CLAIM.” I’m certain this refers to the repair of the “fried” traffic signal box incident described below. “DVHIT” is Delaware Valley Trusts, which is the township’s insurance company. The Township Manager told supervisors that “an insurance claim will be filed for the damages” and “We will seek reimbursement from PECO as well.”
On or about July 11, 2023, PECO "fried" the traffic signal box at Buck Rd/Mill Pond Dr intersection (site of infamous U-turn approved by PennDOT as part of the Arcadia/Mayfield development plan). Temporary stop signs were placed at the intersection until repairs can be made.
Meanwhile, on July 17, 2023, a Crowne Point resident emailed me about another damaged signal:
“I was wondering if you could answer why the crosswalk pedestrian signal option was removed at the Buck Road and Diamond Drive lights to cross over to Mill Pond Drive. I tried to contact the municipal office without success because no one answers the phone. So perhaps you, as part of the Newtown Board of Supervisors, know the reason for this change that took place sometime in the past week.
“It is imperative that the pedestrian has the right to access the pedestrian button option without risking their life trying to cross to the other side, because someone decided to remove the light button option used by residents of Crown Pointe/ Newtown!”
The Township Manager responded:
“The traffic signal at Diamond Dr./Buck Road was heavily damaged by PECO when one of their lines fell and electrocuted the system, causing it to fail. The Township's signal repair contractor is working to obtain the materials necessary to repair the fixtures and restore the signals. Once repairs are made the pedestrian option will be restored. There is no timeline for repairs at this time, however, the vendor has requested expedited delivery from their supplier.”
The Resident Has a Good Idea
“Mr. Lewis, would it be possible to add a few more seconds to the crossover option during programming of the new hardware? As it was before, the 10 second times to cross a 4-lane highway/intersection were terrible, so increasing the seconds to be at least 1/2 minute would be awesome and safe for everyone!”
This is especially important because Buck Rd was widened at that intersection to accommodate the U-turn – a NEW option since the Arcadia/Mayfield development was approved. At that time no one ever considered the impact on pedestrians of widening Buck Rd.
Posted on 18 Jul 2023, 01:33 - Category: Public Safety
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