Signals at Route 8 and Airport Road welcome news
On Thursday, the Eagle reported that the effort to create a safer intersection at Route 8 and Airport Road in Penn Township is moving forward.
The intersection has been the site of several traffic accidents, some of which involved fatalities or serious injuries.
According Sam Ward, supervisor chairman, the new signals will include a multitude of new safety features, such as turn arrows and a flashing white light if an emergency vehicle is approaching and needs to go through the intersection.
Three pedestrian crosswalks also will be added at the intersection with push-button activation and crossing signals. Pedestrians will be able to cross East Airport and Airport roads, as well as Route 8 at the corner of the intersection containing the crosswalk.
While meticulous signals at this intersection are much-needed, drivers must also continue to be vigilant as changes are made, especially those used to traversing the intersection on their daily commutes.
Humans are creatures of habit, so these new additions might cause momentary confusion as everyone grows accustomed to the new system.
Keep 100% of your attention on driving and refrain from multitasking — and watch your speed. Being a few minutes late is — usually — not the be-all and end-all of any situation.
Be hyper-aware of what other drivers around you are doing. You never know what someone in another car will do in the blink of an eye.
Hopefully, the project will mitigate risk at the intersection so nobody else will get hurt.
We commend the Penn Township supervisors on working hard to make sure everyone remains as safe as possible, and can’t wait to see the project completed after work begins in spring 2024.
— CM
