Unofficial Web Translated Document
West Earl Township
Board of Supervisors
January 28, 1999
Dear David,
The Board of Supervisors recently reviewed your concern of the congestion at the intersection of Route 222 and Route 772. We share your frustration of the nearly impossible opportunity to navigate a left hand turn when exiting Route 222 South. The Board discussed your proposal, in addition to a proposal by our Police Chief, at our Monday evening meeting.
We have made several suggestions to PennDOT over the years for improving this corridor. About five years ago, a private citizen offered to donate land to locate a northbound exit ramp off Route 222. PennDOT was not interested in that proposal. The further development of the commercial tracts in the Schaums corner vicinity will certainly effect the traffic flow. Each proposed development must submit a traffic impact study and if post development flows indicate an increase in traffic, appropriate changes to traffic patterns must be made. The changing of the signalization of the light will be a strong candidate for this study.
Your proposal for an additional exit ramp for south bound Route 222 traffic is original. However, if PennDOT were interested in pursuing it, they would have to move quickly due to several of the properties being in the early stages of development or on the verge of development. A more feasible option might be to create a new southbound exit connecting to North Church. A new traffic light at Church and Route 272 is rumored if development proceeds on the property directly across from Church Street.
Although the Township Board of Supervisors do have a say in State road improvements, ultimately we only play an advisory role. We have no direct representation on the County Planning Commission. The only connection I am aware of is having a representative on the board that decides which municipalities receive Community Development Block Grants. We have been successful over the years in receiving some of these grants, however the projects are normally Township, not State roads and intersections. A recent exception is the Farmersville Road intersection improvements.
The Board sincerely appreciates your input on this issue. You were correct in making contact with our state representative and ultimately PennDOT first. Contacting State Senator Noah Wenger would be another good path to pursue.
Sincerely,
Fran Luta
Vice-Chair
Board of Supervisors
West Earl Township