Council orders traffic study for Sixth Street and Kislev Hill after multiple reportable crashes

Lititz Borough Council voted to commission a traffic study of the intersection of East Sixth Street and Kislev Hill Road after police and residents described several reportable crashes there in recent months.

Chief of Police reported five reportable crashes within the borough portion of the intersection over roughly six months; those crashes involved significant vehicle damage and, in some cases, injuries. The chief said the collisions followed a common pattern: a driver at the stop sign on Sixth Street proceeded into the intersection without sufficient clearance, striking north- or southbound traffic on Kislev Hill Road.

Longtime residents and nearby homeowners urged the council to act quickly. Resident Dave Hilbert said drivers use the hill at speed and described repeated serious collisions; he asked the borough to pursue a four-way stop or other measures to improve safety. Council members and staff noted that state guidelines require a warrant analysis and other engineering review before permanent control devices (stop signs or signals) can be installed and agreed the borough's traffic engineer should undertake the analysis.

Council approved a motion to request the traffic study and authorized staff to proceed; council also directed staff to invite Warwick Township to share cost or participation, and to move forward if the township is not able to join the expense. The engineering study will evaluate crash history, traffic volumes, sight distance and signal warrant criteria; results will guide next steps for potential changes such as a four-way stop, signal, or other intersection improvements.

Councilmembers asked staff to keep residents informed and to report study results publicly when available.