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Resident urges PennDOT study after surge in tractor‑trailer traffic on winding local road
Summary
A resident described nightly tractor‑trailer runs and safety risks on a narrow, winding local road and asked the board to request a PennDOT study; township staff said PennDOT usually must complete study work on state roads but offered to send a formal request and provide crash and traffic data.
A resident who identified herself as Cynthia told the township Board of Commissioners the road near her home has become ‘‘like it’s a Raceway out there now’’ because of large delivery trucks and tractor‑trailers using a winding, narrow route. She said the traffic has increased in recent years and added that one truck in particular passes nightly between about 3:50 and 5 p.m., raising safety and noise concerns.
Township staff and public-safety personnel explained the limits on local authority for state roads and what is required to pursue restrictions. Staff said state rules require a technical study that includes geometric measurements, sight distance, accident history and truck volume. The solicitor and staff noted Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) typically conducts or validates studies for state roads and that local authorities may request a study. The solicitor outlined the kinds of evidence a district justice could expect, saying officials often must show a documented study rather than rely solely on complaints.
The board agreed staff should prepare and send a formal letter to PennDOT requesting review of the segment and offered to share crash and traffic counts to support any study. Staff said the township could also examine local signage and other low‑cost measures and would look into speed data and sight‑distance considerations as part of an assessment.
The board did not adopt any immediate traffic restrictions; staff emphasized that structural or weight restrictions on a state road require PennDOT action or clear local statutory authority. The matter will proceed with a formal request to PennDOT and with staff providing the technical data necessary for a study.
