New stop signs coming to busy Fox Chapel intersection

New stop signs will be installed at a busy Fox Chapel intersection in an effort to make turning safer.

Police Chief Michael Stevens said there have been numerous near misses and complaints about traffic safety at Old Mill and Easton roads.

“It has a sight distance problem,” he said. “When they are making a left off of Easton on to Old Mill, it is very hard to see cars because of the bank that’s there.”

Council voted Dec. 18 to add stop signs in both directions along Old Mill Road, making the intersection a three-way stop.

Borough Manager Gary Koehler estimated the project would cost about $500 and could be done within a couple weeks.

Borough officials made their decision after meeting with with concerned residents on Oct. 24 to see what could be done about the intersection and borough roads in general.

“We discussed many ideas and will continue to explore options to promote safe driving on all borough roadways under the umbrella of the newly formed Public Safety Assistance Committee,” Councilman Bradley Harrison said. “Safety doesn’t happen by accident, and our committee will be proactive in listening to residents and exploring solutions to keep our residents safe.

“Councilwoman Hanna and I have researched the City of Pittsburgh’s Slow Streets Program and are planning to engage Bike Pittsburgh as well to continue to learn about ideas in effect across the region.

“The new stop signs at this intersection and others are a vital first step in an ongoing effort to promote safe, slow, and focused driving across Fox Chapel.”

Both Old Mill and Easton are borough-owned roads.

The committee is expected to have its first meeting sometime in January.

Members include Harrison, Councilwomen Betsy Monroe and Sarah Hanna, Mayor Walter A. Scott, residents Thomas Donahoe, Dylan Morris and Eva Malecki, along with representatives from Fox Chapel Volunteer Fire Department and Foxwall EMS.

In other police matters

• Council voted to amend the police department’s “red dot” sights for duty pistols policy.

Stevens said several officers have trained with specific sights and lobbied to be able to use their familiar equipment.

• Sgt. Craig Sorg announced the department’s toy drive collected about 25o toys.

Half went to Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League’s efforts at the Monroeville Mall.

The rest of the toys were donated to Aspinwall Police Department’s Presents from Police program.

Aspinwall delivered toys to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Children’s Institute of Pittsburgh and Sunrise School in Monroeville.