CRANBERRY TWP — The township supervisors Thursday night approved a plan for a new roundabout, despite the opposition of a resident who had circulated a petition against it.

The supervisors voted to award a $1.02 million contract to Thomas Construction of Grove City to create a roundabout at the intersection of North Boundary Road and Marshall Road.

Currently, the intersection is a two-way stop with traffic on North Boundary Road having the right of way.

But the construction of Kiddie Academy, a new preschool, and other development in the area meant there needed to be either a roundabout or a traffic signal installed there, officials said.

Dwight Boehm, a township resident, told the supervisors he thought the plan was a mistake.

“It’s a big waste of money and a big obstacle,” he said.

Boehm circulated a petition both electronically and on paper and gathered 28 signatures from residents who were also opposed to the plan, which he submitted to the supervisors.

He asked if a speed bump, rumble strips or stop signs could be used to control speeding on the road instead.

Before the supervisors awarded the contract, Jason Kratsas, township director of engineering and environmental services, gave a presentation on the township’s plans for North Boundary Road.

He said that in monitoring of the road, township staff estimated 6,500 vehicles use the road each day and their average speed is 50 mph, despite the 35 mph speed limit.

A roundabout would keep traffic moving during busy times and also force motorists to slow down, he said.

“Traffic must slow down by 15 mph to maneuver through a roundabout,” he said.

Also included in the roundabout contract is installation of sidewalk on a portion of the road east of the intersection. When the work is done, the road will have continuous sidewalks from Interstate 79 to the entrance to North Boundary Park.

With residential development, a park, a new preschool and the possibility of commercial development near Route 19, having pedestrian access is important, Kratsas said.

Supervisor Bruce Hezlep said the roundabout should cut down on speeding and high-speed accidents.

“I’ve personally responded to a couple of accidents there. That is a very prone area to accidents,” he said.

Construction is planned for this summer. A temporary road will detour traffic around the work area.

Also at the meeting, the township supervisors approved the conditional use application for a new Planet Fitness location on 3.5 acres at 47 Dutilh Road.

The two-story fitness center will be 27,835 square feet and will be open 24 hours.