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Officials weigh engineering changes, study after repeated crashes at Gay and Matlack Streets
Summary
Town staff and police discussed four reportable crashes over four years at the Gay and Matlack intersection, estimated costs for moving damaged signal equipment, and possible countermeasures including a traffic study and non-slip pavement treatments.
Public works and police officials told the Public Safety Committee they have documented repeated crashes at the Gay and Matlack Streets intersection and discussed engineering and enforcement options to reduce risk.
Bernie Flynn of the borough’s public works committee said painted crosswalk markings at the curve are slippery and that crews are considering replacing them with non-slip thermoplastic. Flynn told the committee that moving the electrical signal box 12 feet to reduce repeated hits would cost about $35,000 and that the box itself costs about $50,000; he said the borough’s insurer would not pay to relocate the box, only to restore it to its prior position.
West Chester Police Chief Josh Lee said data show four reportable crashes at that intersection in the past four years. “All four of those reportable crashes were either criminal — fleeing the police — or DUI,” Lee said, adding that the borough has seen incidents tied to impaired drivers and one case of a person fleeing law enforcement.
Chief Lee cautioned that treatments such as rumble strips or removing painted crosswalk stripes to increase friction ‘‘will not correct’’ the risk posed by an errant vehicle and said the most reliable way to reduce risk during street closures or events is to keep people out of the middle of the street.
Committee members suggested a traffic study and possible consultation with PennDOT because the corridor carries higher vehicle speeds and has a long approach that can encourage acceleration. Residents who witnessed a recent crash described a vehicle that mounted the sidewalk near Country Bagel and came close to pedestrians.
Flynn said the borough has explored thermoplastic resurfacing that would last about four years before needing reapplication. He and other officials recommended beginning with a traffic engineering study to evaluate intersection geometry, pavement treatments and signage, then pursue specific capital work if warranted.
Ending: The committee did not approve capital work at the meeting; members asked staff to scope a traffic study and return with options and cost estimates.
