Council renews call for traffic signal at Exit 2 after temporary light worked during construction

Council members and residents pressed for a traffic signal at the Exit 2 ramp where a temporary light installed by PennDOT during construction previously improved safety, respondents said.

“We met with the representatives from PennDOT... PennDOT was insistent that there wasn't a need for one there,” a council member said, recounting past discussions. The speaker said the temporary light PennDOT installed during 2020 construction “worked great,” and that accidents have continued since it was removed. The council member noted the city passed a resolution in fall 2020 asking PennDOT to reinstall the temporary signal but said PennDOT replied that if the city wanted a permanent signal, the city would have to complete a traffic study and pay for installation and maintenance.

The council member urged residents and officials to contact state representatives, including Representative Eddie D. (referenced) and state Senator Marty Flynn, and said “we still believe... the burden is on them to put the traffic signal there, because it is their road that is exiting onto a city street.” The speaker referenced pending lawsuits tied to accidents at the intersection and described visibility issues for motorists trying to turn left from the ramp.

Council discussed asking PennDOT to reconsider reinstallation of the temporary signal and urged constituents to contact state offices; the transcript does not show a new council resolution or binding vote enacted at that meeting to require PennDOT to act. Council members said they would continue outreach to state representatives.