Construction begins on Penn Township’s long-awaited traffic light – Butler Eagle

After more than a year of waiting, long-awaited traffic signal and intersection changes at Airport Road and Route 8 in Penn Township are finally nearing completion. Butler Eagle file photo

After more than a year of waiting, long-awaited traffic signal and intersection changes at Airport Road and Route 8 in Penn Township are finally nearing completion.

Installation of the new signal, scheduled to begin weather permitting on Wednesday, December 4, aims to solve the community’s longest-standing traffic problem, an intersection where traffic accidents are common – some of which have been fatal .

In addition to the new traffic lights, the redesigned intersection will feature new left-turn lanes, pedestrian crossings and improved lighting.

The traffic light masts were initially expected to arrive at the end of September, six months after they were ordered in March. However, due to an increased backlog at the manufacturer, delivery of the bars was delayed.

“I trust that general traffic will respect the restrictions of the construction zone and consider the safety of construction workers when traveling through this intersection,” said community leader Samuel Ward.

The municipality previously estimated it would take three weeks to get the new signals operational.

Construction on the project began in May when contractor M&B Services began installing underground utilities for the new traffic lights. M & B was awarded the construction contract for the project in January. The contract was worth just under $500,000.

With the installation of the new traffic lights, lane restrictions will be introduced and the contractor will provide warning signs.

“We all look forward to the safe completion of this work and lasting traffic improvements over the next few weeks,” Ward said.

Intersection known for accidents

In an interview in 2022, Ward said the main problem was people running red lights at high speeds and driving too fast.

He said the local government was taking steps to prioritize the intersection at the time.

His comments came months after Ed Shields, the owner of Ed Shields Realtor in Penn Township, was killed in an accident at the intersection.

Other serious injury accidents over the years also contributed to the decision to make changes to the intersection, Ward said at the time, noting that he, too, had been involved in an accident at the intersection.