CENTER TWP — In an attempt to prevent accidents, the township supervisors are making efforts to alert the public about a new traffic pattern at Clearview Mall.

To prepare for the new Sheetz gas station and Rite Aid pharmacy opening soon on Route 8 across from the mall, the traffic flow for vehicles in January was changed on Clearview Circle between the Wendy's and Eat'n Park restaurants.

For vehicles exiting the mall, there are no longer two lanes that may be used to make a left turn onto Route 8 southbound. The left lane remains for left turns only while the right lane is now only for right turns or for traffic going straight into Sheetz.

However, officials recently observing the property reported that about 5 percent of vehicles are not following the new pattern and making illegal left turns.

“They don't seem to read the signs or pay too much attention,” said Ron Olsen, township engineer, at the supervisors meeting Wednesday night.

The permit for the traffic signal comes from the state Department of Transportation. PennDOT officials reviewed the site and decided that it did not merit a left-turn arrow for traffic exiting the mall.

Another issue is that vehicles turning left out of the mall will soon need to yield to vehicles exiting Sheetz, as at any four-way intersection, he said.

Supervisor Ken Frenchak said he talked with mall management, which was planning to distribute a reminder to mall employees.

He also is working with the mall and management from Wendy's to potentially arrange for an electronic sign to be put up temporarily alerting drivers of a new traffic pattern.

Last month the supervisors voted to buy two yellow pole-mounted signs drawing attention to the new pattern, which have been installed.

As suggested by Frenchak Wednesday night, the supervisors also voted to spend $1,000 on advertising to notify the public about the changes.

Supervisor Philip Wulff said he had already talked to a state trooper about monitoring the intersection to enforce the new traffic pattern.

Rite Aid is ready to open Thursday, while Sheetz is expected to open sometime before the end of the month, officials said.

Also Wednesday night, the supervisors voted to hold a public hearing for a liquor license transfer for Sheetz. The company purchased a license that formerly belonged to a business in Cranberry Township for its new location. It would allow the store to sell beer and wine.

The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. on April 10 at the Unionville Fire Hall.