Washington Twp. gets green light on traffic light with $100,000

June 23, 2007|by DON AINES

WAYNESBORO, PA. - About 20,000 vehicles roll through Washington Township on Pa. 16 each day, making it increasingly difficult for those motorists trying to get across the road or make a left turn along the corridor.

At one particularly busy intersection, that situation should improve next year after state Sen. Terry Punt, R-Franklin, announced Friday that the township will receive a $100,000 grant to install a traffic signal at the Oller Avenue intersection.

"We opened our business here in 1984, and from that time, we've been telling them how much we need a light here," said Paul Gunder, an associate broker with Jack Gaughen Realtor ERA at 1814 E. Main St.

"I'll be able to turn left and go home at the end of the day ... It's wonderful," said Magisterial District Judge Larry Pentz, whose office is on North Oller Avenue.

"We all know what the traffic's been like ... we know what it's going to be like," Punt said of the Pa. 16 corridor, which has seen rapid development in recent years. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation completed a study last week that indicates a light is needed at the intersection and "gives us the green light to proceed."

The grant is from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Punt said. Traffic signals cost between $80,000 and $100,000, so the township will bear little, if any, cost for the project, he said.

Punt cautioned, however, that the lead time on traffic light projects is six months or more.

Township Manager Michael Christopher said the light should be operational in the spring of next year.

The north side of the intersection has seen considerable development in recent years, Christopher said, pointing out a number of professional offices and other businesses.

Oller Avenue will provide residents of the Hillandale and Antietam Commons developments easier access to Pa. 16, he said.

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