Salem supervisors approve traffic engineer work and advertise bids to repair damaged 119/22 intersection

The Salem Township Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 18 to hire Gibson‑Thomas Engineering for up to $6,000 to prepare traffic engineering specifications and bid documents for repairs to a damaged mast arm assembly at the 119/22 intersection and to advertise permanent repair bid specifications.

Board members said the intersection has been struck several times recently; the engineering work will produce specifications and a procurement package so the Township can solicit bids for a permanent repair. Kerry Jobe said emergency stabilization work would proceed immediately and the engineering contract will ensure the long‑term repair is specified properly.

The engineering proposal includes a not‑to‑exceed fee of $6,000 without prior written authorization from the supervisors. The Board also unanimously authorized advertising bid specifications for the permanent repair of the intersection to solicit contractors.

Why it matters: repeated collisions with traffic signal infrastructure can create safety risks and recurring costs for municipal road maintenance. The township is funding engineering to produce a competitive bid and to ensure repairs meet traffic‑engineering standards.

Votes and procurement notes: the motion to approve the Gibson‑Thomas proposal passed 3–0; the motion to advertise bid specifications also passed 3–0. Supervisors said repairs would begin with stabilization efforts the next day and that formal contracting would follow the advertised procurement process.

The Board did not set a final construction schedule at the meeting and said bids will be advertised once specifications are finalized.