Langhorne to advertise Maple Avenue–Green Street crosswalk project with RRFBs, historic-paver preservation

Langhorne Borough Council voted unanimously to advertise a project to improve pedestrian crossings at Maple Avenue and Green Street, approving ARRO Consulting’s plan to install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) and remove select crosswalk striping on the westerly side of Maple.ARRO engineer George DiPersio told council the design will limit crossings to Green Street and the easterly side of Maple and aims to preserve existing paver sidewalks in the Borough’s historic district by setting pavers in concrete where required by PennDOT. "When his office applies for a Highway Occupancy Permit and Signals Permit through PennDOT, they will require that the pavers be set in concrete, but they can be preserved," DiPersio said.Council discussed site-specific impacts: a smaller tree in front of 245 West Maple would block one RRFB and ARRO proposed removing that smaller tree while preserving a larger tree up the block; council raised no objection. DiPersio also said a wooden step on the sidewalk at 300 West Maple likely must be replaced with concrete and tied into a short cheek or curb to meet ramp and slope standards; Solicitor Barbara Kirk noted legality may depend on whether the step predates the Borough code.Council considered decorative pole bases to match historic street lights; DiPersio said alternatives will be priced as alternates for the bid. The council’s motion to advertise the Maple Avenue & Green Street Crosswalk Project carried unanimously (moved by Councilperson Bob Cumming; seconded by Councilperson Kate Transue). ARRO will prepare bid alternates and submit permit applications with a goal of completing the work before the fall school year begins.