Residents urge board to pause Hopwood/Old State Road connection, saying crash data do not show current safety need

Nicole Meyer, who identified herself during public comment, said more than 30 households have joined a neighborhood position opposing a proposed connection between Hopwood Road and Old State Road.

"Based on that review, the available data do not appear to demonstrate a current safety issue at this location," Meyer told supervisors and asked the board to require a transparent crash and safety analysis in any updated traffic study. She said the township's Act 209 report frames the project as driven by projected future growth rather than an existing operational or safety deficiency.

Meyer urged the board to consider lower-impact alternatives such as targeted traffic-calming measures on Bethel Road and Old State Road before approving a new roadway connection, and asked for updates on formation and timing of a Transportation Advisory (Act 209) committee so residents can engage constructively with staff.

Why it matters: Residents argued the project would be costly, could increase cut-through traffic on lower-classification residential streets and may not meet PennDOT signal-warrant criteria under current conditions. The board did not take a vote on the project at the meeting but staff were asked to include a transparent crash and safety analysis in the updated traffic study.

Next steps: Staff indicated the updated traffic study should address crash history and alternatives; residents requested notification about the township's Transportation Advisory Act 209 committee and timing for its formation.