Opened on Thursday, Sept. 19, the roundabout at the intersection of Park Avenue and Bethlehem Pike was designed to ease traffic speeds and improve safety.
A car accident at a newly-opened roundabout in East Rockhill has residents raising concerns about traffic safety.
Opened on Thursday, Sept. 19, the roundabout at the intersection of Park Avenue and Bethlehem Pike was designed to ease traffic speeds and improve safety.
But on Sunday, Sept. 22, just three days after the roundabout’s opening, an accident occurred when a female driver drove over the roundabout and through a residential fence, crashing into a tree. The driver sustained minor injuries and was taken to Grand View Hospital for treatment.
At Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Christine Stock, the owner of the impacted residence at 1700 Bethlehem Bike, said she is “terrified,” noting that her son was playing in the yard just minutes before the crash.
“I haven’t stopped shaking since Sunday. I’m really scared,” said Stock. “This was supposed to be the fix. Is there any way that my yard can be better protected than it is?”
Township engineer Steve Baluh said that Traffic Planning and Design, Inc. (TPD) has been informed of the accident and is exploring potential solutions. Jim Snyder of Ridge Run Road suggested additional signage or flashing reflectors. Other suggestions included bollards and a guardrail.
“We are definitely looking at it,” said board chairman Dave Nyman, cautioning that the incident is “new.” “We understand your concerns. We’ll do something.”
Sewer ordinance amendment
The board authorized the advertisement of an amendment to the township sewer ordinance, lowering the permissible pH balance in sewer discharge as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The amendment also codifies a series of regulations for on-lot sewage systems, including a new reserve area requirement. Baluh noted that the requirement will only apply to new properties.
Pennridge Community Center
Nyman gave a presentation on the Pennridge Community Center. Located at 146 E. Main St., the center offers a range of activities, programs and resources for seniors, including health screenings, tax preparation, insurance counseling, in-house lunches, educational forums, blood drives, library services and more. Nyman said that the bulk of the center’s funds come from local municipalities and fundraisers. He added that membership is $20 per year but that anyone over 55 can access the center.
The board also awarded bids for general contracting, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work for the new Public Works Maintenance building. Township manager Marianne Morano said that construction should begin in October.
The next East Rockhill Board of Supervisors meeting is on October 22 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit eastrockhilltownship.org.
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