A Traffic Signal at Bell and Limekiln?

An intersection in Upper Dublin is closer to getting a traffic signal.

The Upper Dublin Public Safety Committee Tuesday night discussed the possibility of putting a traffic signal at the corner of Bell Lane and Limekiln Pike … and it wasn’t the first time.

Someone died following a Feb. 5 crash at the intersection. According to the township’s meeting minutes, Township Manager Paul Leonard said last month that the township has received “a number of thoughtful requests for signalization as the intersection where the fatal accident occurred.”

The full board will consider a resolution to put a signal at the location at the April 9 meeting; should it pass, the board will send the application to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Leonard said Tuesday night that McMahon Associates, out of Fort Washington, recently conducted a traffic study at the intersection.

The verdict?  The intersection met two of the PennDOT’s 15 warrants for having a traffic signal.

“[McMahon] did an engineering study — put counters out there — and what the reports showed tonight is that the volumes in the cross traffic and the delays warranted a signal,” Leonard said. “What this means is, based on 15 warrants, if we apply, it’s very likely we would get a signal.”

Leonard said there have only been two crashes at the intersection in the past five years, but they were significant crashes — including the fatal crash in February. The intersection currently has crosswalks, handicapped-accessible curb cutouts, and stop signs for motorists approaching Limekiln Pike. The speed limit for those driving on Limekiln Pike is 45 mph.

As for the money, the township will likely have to shell out $250,000 for a signal at the intersection, according to Leonard. The process might take until the end of the year, so don’t expect a signal at the intersection until 2014, Leonard said. 

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