Wimmerton residents protest plan to end left turns onto Route 30 in Unity

Residents of the Wimmerton housing plan told Unity supervisors they’d rather have nothing done to alter the intersection of Wimmerton Boulevard and Route 30 than to be forced to use a nearby traffic signal to turn left onto the highway.

But some would prefer having a signal installed at Wimmerton Boulevard, the plan’s main entrance, which is at the crest of a hill.

David Gebhart of Carlsbad Court was among several Wimmerton residents who attended Thursday’s supervisors meeting to protest the township’s proposal to end left turns from the boulevard onto Route 30 eastbound, which the supervisors believe would enhance safety.

The supervisors in June authorized Dan Schmitt of engineering consultant Gibson-Thomas Engineering to apply to PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement program for funding to modify the intersection. That program is funded with fines collected at select intersections equipped with cameras to catch motorists who run red lights.

According to the township’s plan, Wimmerton residents would use a back road, Brouwers Road, to reach Saint Vincent Drive, where they could enter Route 30 at an existing traffic signal.

“It’s a poor choice to force the entire development of Wimmerton to go down to the Saint Vincent light to go east on 30,” Gebhart said, adding that residents should be able to decide when they feel safe to use the boulevard intersection. “If it’s foggy or if traffic is stacking up all over the place, the commonsense thing is to go down to Saint Vincent and use the light.”

Rather than focusing on left turns out of Wimmerton, Gebhart argued that an inadequate acceleration lane for residents heading west on Route 30 has resulted in rear-end collisions. Others expressed safety concerns for eastbound motorists turning left onto the boulevard, which would continue to be allowed under the township plan.

Schmitt said the township’s proposal for the Wimmerton intersection is based on a recommendation from PennDOT after a rash of crashes occurred there several years ago. At that time, he said, state dollars were focused on fixing bridges, but now funding might be available.

“We have made no commitment to do this project yet,” he said.

“This is just a proposal,” Supervisor John Mylant said. “Nothing is set in stone.”

Residents said they were caught off guard by the supervisors’ June action and hastily conducted a survey of 261 Wimmerton residents who also are drivers. Township officials said they had yet to verify the results of the survey: 131 in favor of adding a signal at the boulevard intersection; 78 preferring the status quo; and 52 satisfied with using the Saint Vincent signal.

Supervisor Mike O’Barto said Unity was told either the township or the Wimmerton residents would have to cover the costs if a traffic signal were to be installed at the boulevard intersection.

Several residents called for an updated traffic study at the intersection.

Glacier Drive resident Peggy Farrah said any decisions should be based on fresh information. “All we’re asking is that you slow it down and you do it based on a substantial packet of data and facts,” she told the supervisors.

Sandra Blasingame of Shenandoah Drive noted conditions at Wimmerton have changed over the years and are about to again, with development of about 100 patio homes anticipated next year. She asked that the supervisors share plans for the intersection with three separate community associations that represent Wimmerton residents.

“You asked for more communication, and you’re going to get it,” O’Barto said.