Salem supervisors authorize traffic engineering and bid advertising for 119/22 intersection repair, ratify weight‑restriction ad for local roads

Salem Township supervisors on Feb. 18 voted unanimously to hire Gibson‑Thomas Engineering for traffic engineering services and to seek bids to permanently repair a mast arm assembly damaged at the Route 119/22 intersection.

The board approved a $6,000 proposal from Gibson‑Thomas, with the firm to prepare specifications and bid documents; supervisors noted the fee will not be exceeded without prior written authorization. They also authorized advertising bid specifications for permanent repairs to the intersection after a vehicular accident damaged signal infrastructure.

In related action aimed at preserving local roads, the board ratified an advertisement to amend the township’s Restricted Roadways Ordinance No. 1‑2024, adding Quarry, Thorn Run, McQuaide and Orr to the weight‑restricted highway, roadway or bridge list. Supervisor Todd Paulich said engineer studies are required before weight limits can be formally imposed; residents had complained about heavy trucks hauling dirt and rapidly degrading roadways.

Resident Tim Kepple raised a concern that residents might be required to bond roads while businesses hauling heavy loads are not held to the same standard; Supervisor Paulich responded that complaints triggered engineer evaluations and that studies will inform any bonding or restriction decisions.

The board’s actions set the engineering and procurement steps needed to stabilize the intersection and protect local roads; the township engineer will lead studies and bidding.