Residents press Hilltown to lower speed, board reviews studies and plans to consult PennDOT

Traffic staff presented two speed‑study approaches and reported an average running speed of 45 mph on the segment between Spur Road and Keystone, consistent with prior 85th‑percentile data. Staff said the board could lower the posted speed by 5 mph (for example, to 40 mph) or pursue additional enforcement; crash data over the prior 3½ years showed seven mid‑block crashes, several involving single‑vehicle DUI.

Residents at public comment asked the board to seek a speed reduction from PennDOT before the bridge reopens and to consider signage for active farms and tractor crossings. Bruce Wiel said the posted 45 mph limit feels too fast for the closed‑and‑reopened bridge approach and urged preemptive action; John McFerson described repeated ditch erosion, mailbox damage and prior crashes near his driveway and supported reducing speeds to 35 mph near his home. Bob Elker urged the board to consider whether narrow neighborhood links (as narrow as 18 feet) should be one‑way or cul‑de‑sac if adjacent connector projects increase traffic volume.

Staff said they can reach out to PennDOT to ask about speed‑limit adjustments and explained that PennDOT usually requires its own traffic study to change a state road speed limit; speed humps on the state road are unlikely to be approved. The board suggested beginning with enforcement and coordination with PennDOT rather than immediate local adjustments.

Representative quote: "Based on the average running speed data, you could lower that speed by five miles an hour," traffic staff said.