PennDOT Explains Henry Ave. Traffic Light Project

To sum up future improvements on Henry Avenue, the Philadelphia Streets Department's Charles Denny discussed the importance of getting traffic signals correct.

"The problem is that traffic signals either prevent crashes or cause crashes," he said. "We're trying to figure out the right way to proceed."

The city, with representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and its consultant KCI Technologies, outlined proposals to improve the busy corridor from Port Royal Avenue in Roxborough through East Falls to the Abbotsford Homes in Hunting Park.

PennDOT's Bruce Masi said the traffic improvement project over the 5-miles of state road along Henry Avenue would be in phased in over a span of three years. Public input would occur in about a year when planners develop specific proposals at fixed locations.

Generally, the project covers:

• Signal replacement;
• Pedestrian crossing signs; and
• ADA ramp replacement and improvement.

Talking at the Ridge Park Civic Association Thursday night, Barbara Hoehne, from KCI, said signal upgrades would occur first throughout Henry Avenue.

"The timing will be interconnected so that (the signals) talk to each other better," she said.

In Roxborough, lights set for improvement include: Port Royal, Wigard, Henry on the Park, Cinnaminson, Livezy, Gates, DuPont, Monastery, Roxborough, and Walnut Lane. 

Over time, planners will evalute other improvement areas, such as tree-triming, pedestrian safety and left-turn signals, among other aspects.

One specific example Hoehne touched on involved creating a passenger refuge—removing the guardrail for an open space—for people waiting for the SEPTA bus at Henry and Gates.

"We had a concern about where people stand for the bus. There's no where to stand there because of the guardrail," she said. 

Residents raised concerns with the project's scope, wondering if Cathedral Road should have made the cut. Some worried that area was particularly dangerous for pedestrian safety. 

"I've seen cars going along the wrong way along Henry Avenue there numerous times," Ridge Park's Shane Brody said.

Additionally, state Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-194), who attended the meeting, asked about the possibility of installing audio countdown signals. Although Denny said the city has 12 such signals and is considering installing more, they are looking at "more complicated intersections" for them, like on University Avenue near the VA Hospital.

PennDOT officials will explain the presentation next month at the Central Roxborough Civic Association's Oct. 4 meeting at Leverington Presbyterian Church.