Board to apply for grant to install rapid flashing beacons at Green Tree Road crosswalks; PennDOT approvals and traffic counts will guide design

Township engineering staff announced plans on June 9 to prepare an application for rapid-flashing beacons (RRBs) at existing crosswalks on Green Tree Road near Ryan Drive and Green Oak/Green Oak Lane. The board will schedule a survey of existing conditions on June 23 to support an ARLE/PennDOT grant application.

Engineers and commissioners discussed technical and permitting constraints: PennDOT typically requires traffic counts and accident-history warrants to justify installing traffic signals, and past signal requests at Ryan Drive did not meet PennDOT's criteria. Several commissioners and staff favored push-button-activated beacons that flash only when a pedestrian requests to cross rather than full-time flashers, which can improve driver compliance while reducing unnecessary activation.

Staff also noted operational details to include in the grant application: documenting existing obstructions (parked cars, tree canopy) and confirming whether prior PennDOT recommendations (tree trimming and replacing faded speed-limit signs) have been implemented. The engineer said a traffic-permit and signal plan from PennDOT would be required if the crossing were to be signalized rather than beaconed.

The board did not commit to a specific design or award a contract at the June 9 meeting; next procedural steps are a June 23 survey, completing the grant application, and awaiting PennDOT traffic counts and permit guidance.