Tredyffrin Township Traffic Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 16, :30 a.m.

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1 Tredyffrin Township Traffic Committee Meeting Wednesday, March 16, :30 a.m. The Tredyffrin Township Traffic Committee Meeting was held on Wednesday, March 16, The following committee members were present: Supt. Anthony Giaimo Sgt. Tim Brown Cpl. Kreg Isleib Bill Martin Steve Burgo Erin McPherson Dean Wilkins Darin Fitzgerald EJ Richter Superintendent of Police Traffic Sergeant Traffic Corporal Township Manager Township Engineer Township Engineering Assistant Public Works Public Works Township Supervisor Those present from the community were: Cindy Verguldi Tory Snyder Rich Jaffe Cinda Marturano Peg Layden Jay Halsey Michele Burger Peter Cordray Doug Anestad Alex Tweedie Gerry Jaffe Tracy Johnson Paul Olsen Ed Sweeney Bill Nelson Matt Hammond Ryan Gallagher Murph Wysocki AUDIENCE CONCERNS A. Intersection of West Valley Road & North Swedesford Road Resident Gerry Jaffe has concerns about the short left turn lane on West Valley Road going towards Gateway Shopping Center not having a left turn arrow. Supt. Giaimo stated that PennDOT can investigate the timing of the light. Sgt. Brown stated there is more volume due to surrounding construction projects, bridges out, etc. PennDOT has specific permits and warrants to meet before they'll add a turning arrow.

2 B. Speeding on Lizbeth Lane Residents Tracy Johnson and Ryan Gallagher stated people are speeding in the valley from Greene Road, with heavier traffic sometimes. Ms. Johnson stated there are a lot of walkers in the area. They are asking for enforcement during peak hours. Residents asked TESD for another school bus - TESD said there is little or no traffic during pickup/drop-off hours. Cpl. Isleib stated that there are only 1 or 2 speeders above the threshold during enforcement; a speed sentry will be placed this week. Supt. Giaimo stated that PA is the only state that doesn't allow radar - and we have to allow a buffer of 10MPH over posted speed limit before a vehicle can be stopped. The speed sentry will record data of speeds and peak times. Sgt. Brown stated the sentry is recording 24 hours. Mr. Gallagher stated relocating bus stop would be a good solution - the documented speed data collected from sentry would have to be taken to TESD. Ms. Johnson stated the Police Department can use her property anytime for enforcement. Mr. Gallagher asked about crash histories and stated the current bus stop is at the top of hill, but they want bus stop at Oak Lane instead. He also stated that Irish Road has sidewalks. C. Yellow Line Removal on Deepdale Road Resident and Supervisor Murph Wysocki has the following concerns and statements regarding the double yellow lines painted on the road: Speaking on behalf of Deepdale Association. Stated that the lines appeared after a long absence. It's a quiet neighborhood & street. Doesn't need a double line. An appraiser said the lines can lower property values. Double lines can equal higher speeds, in their opinion, the lines have not calmed traffic. Croton Road is a state road and is wider. Mr. Wysocki quoted a neighbor, who stated a double yellow center line creates a visual cue that the road is larger than it is, therefore higher speeds are encouraged. Deepdale Rd has no sidewalks, so pedestrians walking on road make it difficult for drivers to go around. People use Deepdale Rd. as a thru-street. Houses have been there for 60+ years. Safety would be enhanced if lines were removed. Yellow lines removed about 5 years ago on Crestline Road.

3 Supervisor Paul Olsen represents the East and is present today. Supt. Giaimo proposed lines at the approaches instead. Mr. Wysocki stated the residents could live with that option - but only at the beginning of Deepdale, as far as Yale Road, and at the other end at Holly Road. Resident Paul Cordray questioned whether lines at the ends were needed at all. Sgt. Brown replied that at the very least lines need to be at the intersection of Croton Road and Old Eagle School Road. Resident Bill Nelson stated the following: Deepdale Association agrees with line removal. Past 2 years have been fine without the lines. Supt. Giaimo stated there haven t been any accidents documented. Mr. Wysocki asked when this could take place? The Committee stated there is no money in the budget set aside to remove the lines, but money was set aside to be painted. Bill Martin stated there is a cost to remove the lines - a company will need to be aquired for removal. Dean Wilkins stated Public Works will eliminate future line painting. D. Plank Avenue Concerns An was received regarding traffic concerns. Road is controlled by Willistown Twp. and Cpl. Isleib will respond to . E. Pedestrian Crossing - Berkley Road & Lancaster Avenue was received by resident who asks that traffic be stopped in all directions for pedestrians to cross. Cpl. Isleib will review pedestrian volumes. If signals are changed, it will affect traffic on Route 30. Steve Burgo stated this is the first time Committee was contacted for this issue. F. Speeding on Cassatt Road & Conestoga Road near schools and Traffic Concerns in area of Conestoga, Old Lancaster, Bodine and Russell Roads An was received asking for speed bumps, but they are not an option. Mr. Wilkins stated PennDOT was requested to refresh paint three times. Cpl. Isleib stated the traffic in the area is heavy and slow. Resident Jay Halsey has the following concerns and statements: At 2:50 pm one day, he counted 27 vehicles roll thru the stop sign and crosswalk on Conestoga Road approaching Old Lancaster Road because they cannot see oncoming traffic. Overgrown vegetation is causing poor visibility. 3 /12-4 foot fence on corner of Conestoga and Old Lancaster Roads also blocks visibility.

4 There are no crosswalk signs. Has witnessed near-collisions. Asks Police to enforce stopping at sign and clear visibility. Buses are also driving thru crosswalks. Bushes are high on Conestoga Rd & Old Lancaster Rd. New owner on Bodine Rd. planted trees. Cpl. Isleib stated that sight distance is needed at the intersection only - not on the approach. Cpl. Isleib stated that the Police are working with LTAP for improved striping and signage. Mr. Burgo stated that the crosswalk was added after the sidewalk project, adding more signage than necessary and more lines painted at crosswalk. Cpl. Isleib stated he'll look at the vegetation. Mr. Burgo agreed that there is a lot of vegetation and a large tree near the corner. Resident Cindy Verguldi stated the homeowners do maintain the vegetation. Mr. Burgo stated that PennDOT did not warrant a stop sign in other direction on Old Lancaster Rd. Mr. Burgo stated that they can add hash marks in crosswalk. Sgt. Brown stated that once drivers stopped at stop sign, they are allowed to continue moving. Mr. Halsey is asking for enforcement. He stated people turning right are the ones who go through and are not looking both ways. Mr. Burgo suggested reaching out to schools for them to send out refresher information to students and families. School Zone sign on Brookmead Road School Board member Michele Burger stated that the sign is 10 Feet before stop. Requested to move it to Valley Forge Road intersection, so it's visible near stop sign. Cpl. Isleib stated the school zone sign needs to visible at all times. Ms. Burger asked if a flasher could be put on 3:30-5:30pm. The Traffic Unit will discuss solutions. Supt. Giaimo suggesting adding another school zone sign. Chesco Views has West Walker Road as a Private road - will ask Chesco to update roads.

5 NEW BUSINESS A. PennDOT Reflective curb painting separating Route 252 NB & SB Used to be painted yellow - have had a few accidents. Heading North - refresh paint on curb. PennDOT has been called at least 6 times. Erin McPherson stated she'll call the project manager to tell them that drivers can't see the separation at night. EJ Richter suggested calling the State Representative. OLD BUSINESS A. Traffic study for improvement at Valley Forge Middle School, Walker Road, Chesterbrook Blvd and Chase Road Speed limit is 25MPH in front of Valley Forge Middle School - Mr. Martin stated it can't go under 25MPH on a public road. Resident Cinda Marturano stated that kids are walking from St. Issacs Church lot to VFMS, where there is no crosswalk or pedestrian crossing. Per the Committee, there are multiple problems, which should fall under School Board items. The School Board can conduct a safety improvement study. The Township would be liable for accidents if they put in a crosswalk without PennDOT's approval. Cpl. Isleib stated that PennDOT warrants need to be met for mid-block crosswalks. He further stated that crosswalks would encourage people to park and walk in areas they shouldn't be. Cpl. Isleib met with the TESD - the issue is in the School Board's hands at this point. Ms. Marturano stated the TESD meeting is tomorrow (March 17th). Mr. Martin met with School Officials who stated a walkability study and crosswalk study was initiated by TESD. Mr. Burgo stated other schools are being looked at also. Ms. Marturano stated more parents are driving their kids. Supt. Giaimo stated taxpayers are paying for school buses - the goal is to get more kids on those buses. During the meeting between Twp & TESD, one solution was for more bus riders. Ms. Marturano stated there is a solution to be had at Walker Road, instead of people rolling through on Chesterbrook Blvd and Chase Rd; Kids are walking through mud instead of taking path. Ms. Burger, on behalf of the School Board requested the notes of meeting between the Twp and TESD.

6 Ms. Burger also suggested to put out a commission for an independent traffic study to be completed. The data would be off until the Walker Road bridge re-opens; plus there will be less volume when 252 is closed. Numbers will be off. Mr. Halsey suggested staggering arrivals and dismissals. Sgt. Brown stated the following: Schools already stagger for different grades - and not all the traffic is going to parent drop-offs. Until TESD addresses the issue, not much can be done except using buses, which had 12 or less kids on them when he counted. The area is gridlocked from 7:20-7:50am. At 7:53, there were no cars. It's only a 1/2 hour problem. Regarding the solution of extending Walker Road - Twp doesn't own property; Church & TESD own it. It would need to meet sight distance requirements - a consultant needs to be initiated by TESD. Ms. Verguldi stated that Devon Elementary was restructured. School Board member Ed Sweeney asked about drop off along Chesterbrook Blvd, or switching lights on Walker Rd and Valley Forge Rd to 4-way stop signs - Ms. Richther stated drivers lose 1/2 hours waiting for lights. Mr. Burgo stated PennDOT will not put stop signs on Valley Forge Road between Route 252 & 202 because it's a primary road - timing is preferential on Valley Forge Rd. Supt. Giaimo stated that light timings may be able to be tweaked slightly; but Valley Forge Rd needs to be controlled by lights. Mr. Burgo stated that PennDOT's primary goal is to keep traffic moving on 252, otherwise a cascading effect will happen on other roads. Signals are connected. Parents are forming 2 exit lines, but they're not supposed to. If timing is changed, it may help. Ms. Marturano commented on extending Walker Road; Chesterbrook residents will have concerns. Supt. Giaimo stated that will become a cut-thru road, which is not a good idea. Mr. Sweeney stated that people already cut-thru Adams Drive, so Chesterbrook residents shouldn't have a problem. Mr. Burgo stated the extension would be on private property - There may be a sight distance issue. Supt. Giaimo stated PennDOT would consider it a timing change to have the Police Department alter the timing for that one hour a day. Ms. Burger stated a possible solution to have a green light at school and have a left arrow delayed green light on other side. Mr. Burgo stated traffic studies have to be done - to look at traffic impacts the entire corridor. Ms. Marturano asked who point person for Engineering - Supt. replied not the Twp; TESD which would have to be bid on.

7 Mr. Burgo stated a study was done in 2013 for pedestrians, buses, etc. TESD has a copy of it. The Transportation Office conducted a walkability study at schools. Ms. Burger stated that Mr. Sweeney and she are new to School Board. Traffic Committee Meeting in June will include VFMS issues. Ms. Richter asked if PennDOT can review timing changes. Supt. stated he'll call PennDOT today. B. Brightview Assisted Living Proposing mid-block crosswalk on East Conestoga Rd. No major improvements will be done on Route 30. Matt Hammond, from Traffic, Planning and Design stated the following: There have been numerous conversations about frontage. Relocating East Conestoga Rd would entail acquiring 2 additional properties which would be too much. Discussed enhancing frontage, striping changes at intersection to aid in traffic flow; delineate movement lanes. There are minimal left turns being made feet needed to accommodate turns. Discussed moving stop sign. Signal doesn't meet warrant, too close to Old Eagle School Road and Shopping Center. Sgt. Brown asked about restricting left turns out of East Conestoga Rd, or controlling where people make left by adding striping. Mr. Burgo stated restriction of turns may be a problem not giving drivers options. Signal timing changes may be an option. Mr. Burgo suggested narrowing lanes around the property for speed control and vegetation Cleared around crosswalk.

8 Updates: 1. ARLE Grant Route 30 adaptive signals starting in the fall, Darby Rd. to Plank. Ave. Sidewalk improvements West Valley Rd. and Swedesford Rd. 2. Walker Road bridge Contract is allowed to go until August. Contactors will not commit to end date, PennDOT sets date. 3. Howellville Road bridge Aqua project affecting traffic from 252 to Howellville Rd bridge to Bodine Rd. Will take several weeks. 4. Wilson Road Force main emergency rehab project Yellow Springs Rd to covered bridge remains closed. 252 closed April 1 st through Summer. 5. Detours & Road closures Thomas Rd complaints about turnpike discharge from runoff from berms at service plaza. DEP contacted to make contact with turnpike about the issues. 6. Covered Bridge update PennDOT still working expect to be completed in April, but will remain closed until August. 7. Chesterbrook Blvd bridge update Delays in starting over 202. Minor work to be completed in 2 weeks. Waiting for guiderail 6-12 week delivery. 8. Aqua Water work by Fletcher & Upper Gulph Roads Motion to approve meeting minutes of December 16, 2015 made by Supt. Giaimo, seconded by Steve Burgo. Meeting adjourned at 9:50 a.m.