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Fire department urges PennDOT preemption on I-79/I-910 connector to speed emergency response
Summary
A fire department representative asked council to request PennDOT add acoustic emergency preemption devices to new traffic controllers on the planned I-79/I-910 connector, arguing the sensors would improve response times at Nicholson Road, Branch School Road and ramp intersections; council discussed technology options and a plan to raise the issue with PennDOT.
A member of the fire department told Franklin Park council that the planned I-79/I-910 connector project is an opportunity to restore emergency preemption on key intersections and asked that the borough press PennDOT to include devices when the new controllers are installed.
"It's a safety issue," the speaker said, arguing that acoustic preemption sensors — devices that detect siren wail and trigger a green light for the approaching emergency vehicle — are the most economical option because they require no vehicle-mounted equipment.
The speaker described alternatives: line-of-sight emitters (which require devices on each vehicle), localized radio transmitters, and GPS-based triggers. He said previous acoustic devices at Nicholson Road and other ramps were not reconnected during a recent LED and controller upgrade and urged borough staff to work through municipal channels with PennDOT project engineers. A PennDOT safety meeting on the project was noted as an upcoming forum for technical Q&A.
Council members recommended that staff raise the preemption request during final design and coordinate with neighboring municipalities to ensure compatible technology across jurisdictions. No formal vote was taken; staff were asked to report back after the PennDOT safety meeting and to document the council's request.
