Residents urge fixes at dangerous West King curve; commission denies signal, orders quick-builds and study

Neighbors said a curve on West King Street near Mary Street has produced numerous serious incidents and urged a traffic signal at West King and North Pine. Diana Rose, who lives on West King, said she and neighbors have seen sideswipes, rollovers and collisions — including at least four major incidents that required police response — and told the commission, "People are going 50 sometimes."

Staff said the curve and the transition where Columbia Avenue becomes King Street present a persistent concern and outlined a three-part approach: short-term quick-build treatments (flex posts, daylighting and signage) that staff can implement administratively in the near term; a speed-hump project that requires PennDOT permitting and is expected within about 1–2 years; and a longer-term two-way restoration project (4–5 years) that would change lane operations and reduce passing opportunities. "We are looking to add speed humps along West King Street, once it enters the city," Ben Hogan said, while cautioning that a full traffic signal is unlikely to meet warrants and would be costly.

Commissioners voted to deny the immediate signal request but asked staff to prioritize quick-build measures and to provide a timeline and outreach plan to residents. Staff said it would share project updates via the city's engagement portal and could deploy door-hanger notices for short-term treatments.

The commission's decision leaves longer-term changes on a multi-year timeline but puts short-term calming and enforcement steps in motion.