WAYNE HEIGHTS—Washington Township officials are getting some state funding that will help them address a common complaint: the timing of traffic lights throughout the township.
The township is one of 70 municipalities across the state that will share in more than $37 million in funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go program.
Green Light-Go grants are provided as reimbursements to municipalities for updates to improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Grant funding through the Green Light-Go program may be utilized for a range of operational improvements including, but not limited to, light-emitting diode (LED) technology installation, traffic signal retiming, developing special event plans and monitoring traffic signals, as well as upgrading traffic signals to the latest technologies.
“The safety improvements supported by the Green Light-Go program help municipalities relieve congestion and traffic flow, as well as keep Pennsylvanians moving safely and efficiently,” said Gov. Tom Wolf.
Washington Township is the recipient of $78,500.
“This grant will be used in conjunction with the $30,700 ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement Funding Program) grant awarded in December of last year,” explained Washington Township Manager Jeff Geesaman. “The 2 grants together will allow us to do a traffic study for all of Washington Township’s signalized intersection along State Route 16, (Buchanan Trail East), including Washington Township Boulevard, Midvale Road, Old Forge Road, Oller Avenue and Welty Road.”
Buchanan Trail/Route 16 is the major thoroughfare in the township, funneling traffic to major retailers including Walmart, Lowes, several restaurants, a hotel, Sheetz and other commercial enterprises.
Traffic signal synchronization at these intersections will ensure those traveling the corridor can do so more efficiently and will also create safety benefits by ensuring the orderly movement of traffic and reducing the frequency of certain types of accidents such as right-angle and pedestrian collisions.
“We have been receiving numerous complaints about the timing of these lights,” Geesaman said. “They should be happy to hear this information.”
