JACKSON TWP — The township recently received a state grant that will go toward a new traffic signal.

The $402,000 grant will help fund the new signal at Gudenkunst Road, Tollgate School Road and Route 19, south of downtown Zelienople.

“Several reportable crashes have occurred at the intersection within the past few years,” said township manager Chris Rearick in a news release. “Installation of signals and masts over the four- lane section of Route 19 were scheduled within the township’s Transportation Capital Improvements Plan due to assumed impacts of development in the area.”

The project is expected to cost about $585,000. Traffic impact fee dollars paid by developers and builders also will help fund the project.

Township police Chief Terry Seilhamer said a traffic light is “necessary” for the intersection due to increased traffic from housing developments in the area and its proximity to Interstate 79.

“You have interstate ramps that are right there,” Seilhamer said. “The ramp empties onto Route 19 northbound just south of that intersection. There may even have to be some modifications too.”

A warning sign also is expected for the Interstate 79 off ramp.

Seilhamer said the state Department of Transportation may need to put signs on Route 19 before the intersection to warn motorists of the impending intersection. The road’s curve obstructs motorists’ sight line to the intersection.

Traffic signals also are planned to be installed at the intersections of Route 19 and Little Creek Road, and Mercer and Little Creek roads, with a roundabout possible for the latter.

“It’s a sign of the continued growth in Jackson,” Seilhamer said. “It’s just a natural offshoot of the growth.”

The township’s engineers have begun design work on the project. Construction is anticipated in late 2017 or spring 2018.

The township in its release thanks state Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, state Rep. Jim Marshall, R-14th, and the Butler County Commissioners for their support in the project.