Concerns over speeding on Fairhill Road and Callowhill Road came up at the Hilltown Board of Supervisors meeting on July 22.
Hilltown Police Chief Christopher Engelhart reported that the department, as requested by the township, conducted a speed study on a stretch of Fairhill Road between Spur Road and Keystone Drive.
The study found that, given conditions, the speed limit could be lowered by 5 mph to 45 mph, if supervisors desired. The chief said the drop could slow some drivers down but likely wouldn’t have a tremendous effect on moderating motorists intent on speeding over the stretch.
“Maybe more enforcement is the way to go,” said Supervisor Joseph Metzinger.
The chief agreed, saying more targeted speeding patrols could focus on the area. “We can certainly stepup enforcement,” Engelhart said.
Supervisors believed that was the correct approach, rather than lowering the limit.
The board also indicated now might be a premature time to change the posted speed on the stretch of Fairhill Road, as the Route 309 Connector project from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation looms.
PennDOT hasn’t finalized its plans for this third phase of the large-scale project, but critics say it has the potential to dramatically swell traffic flows along Fairhill and nearby roads.
“With the future of Fairhill kind of unknown with the 309 Connector, want to hold off until we know what the plan is?” said Supervisor Chair Caleb Torrice with regard to making a speed limit change on Fairhill Road.
Metzinger and Supervisor Jim Groff agreed that was the correct approach for the time being, with all three supervisors speaking in favor of increased enforcement.
Meanwhile, a resident asked supervisors for help advocating to PennDOT for the speed limit to be lowered on part of Callowhill Road in advance of the reopening of a bridge there that spans the Pleasant Spring Creek. This would make travel safer for motorists, and improve safety for residents in the area, where there’s an active farm, the township local said.
PennDOT began work this spring on replacing the span. Officials said PennDOT would likely need a formal traffic study before it could consider any speed reduction. Still, with the bridge project in play, there could potentially already be something in the works regarding addressing speed, officials said. Engelhart said he would reach out to a transportation contact to learn more.
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