ADAMS TWP — Supervisors responded to concerns from Forsythe Road homeowner John Watson on Monday night about a recent decision to place a left-turn restriction on the Beaver Street Extension from Route 228.

“I don't think it should be closed seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” Watson said.

Watson told the board he knows how backed up Route 228 can become during rush hour, especially at the Pittsburgh Street intersection on Route 228.

Still, he argued the restriction causes an inconvenience for many drivers. Watson said not being able to make a left turn adds another two miles to his commute from home. He suggested left turns be allowed onto Beaver Street Extension during certain times.

“It's the main road into Mars Borough,” Watson said. “You all have businesses down there.”

Watson suggested it would be easier for township police to enforce the no-left-turn street sign a few hours a day versus all day.

“I don't understand why we can't make a left-hand turn there at eight o'clock at night,” Watson said.

Watson said residents weren't given much notice that the restriction would be placed on that part of the road.

Supervisor Chairman Thomas Franceschina said the issue dates back almost a decade and has been discussed many times. Franceschina said a street interchange likely will be installed by the state once PennDOT is finished working on the corridor.

“Years ago, the township was going to put in (several) million dollars for a light,” Franceschina said.

But the township “backed out” of the arrangement with PennDOT when PennDOT said the township would be responsible for covering additional costs, according to Franceschina.

Supervisor Russell Ford told Watson the township discussed the move with Mars Borough officials.

“I'm not going to apologize for the fact it's a safety issue,” Ford said. “A total safety issue.”

The new restriction will be used on a 60-day trial. The township will reassess traffic in the area at the end of two months.

“We're going to come back, and we're going to re-evaluate it,” Ford said.

Ford added the light at the Pittsburgh Street-Route 228 intersection is timed correctly.

Turning left in the restricted area is categorized as a moving violation, according to township Police Chief Shawn Anglum. Fines start at about $180 and points are counted against a driver's license.

Right-hand turns still can be made.