Motorists Still Confused by New Street Configuration
The former-four lane South Water Street in Kittanning Borough was revamped officially at the beginning of August, but Kittanning Borough Police still witnesses potentially-dangerous lane infractions near the Kittanning Citizens Bridge.
by Jonathan Weaver
The new turning lane on South Water Street is still causing some problems for motorists in Kittanning.
Borough Police Chief Bruce Mathews said officers routinely monitor the new turning lane – with the final wearing course completed the first full week of August.
“It is getting better – people are starting to use the lane correctly. However, we are still both lanes being used at peak times,” Chief Mathews said. “I did address this with PennDOT and asked for a sign to be placed there with arrows.”
According to Chief Mathews, PennDOT officials believe upgrading sensors at the Kittanning Citizens Bridge intersection traffic signal could eliminate a back-up of traffic. Peoples Natural Gas has reportedly been requested to replace them.
In July, Borough Council members voted to eliminate the turning lane and new Riverfront Park parking spaces, which coincided with Phase II of the Market Street Revitalization Project.
But, that decision was reversed in early-August. At that time, former-Planning and Development Community Division Director Jennifer Bellas reminded council members of the other changes, such as the Market Street and Citizens Bridge lane changes, approved following a 2013 traffic study.
“The whole purpose was to provide access to the park and to provide the better flow through town. The whole goal of the transportation study was to keep traffic moving and through town – that’s why we did it,” Bellas said in August.
Chief Mathews also voiced his opinion at the time for the turning lane configuration.
Local News | jweaver October 8, 2015
By cementmixer, October 8, 2015 @ 1:59 PM
Just another example of how some council lemmings follow the suggestions of the so-called expert on the South Water Street debacle. Just so I get this straight, just how the heck do ten or fewer parking spaces enhance or add to the PHASE II revitalization pretty town project? The ONLY thing those spaces do is add another safety hazard to an already hazardous situation on South Water. Once again, let’s ask Bellas just who it was she and her “expert” cohorts surveyed to reach that decision. Opps, Bellas ain’t there any more.Just when things heat up and answers are needed WITH RATIONALE FOR THE DECISION, these “experts” silently steal away and we have to live with the results-thanks to the council lemmings. Wake up Council you have had both the county and the “engineer” experts leave you hanging in mid air and you still just nod yes! And you guys are critical of Ford City!?
By bigjohn, October 8, 2015 @ 4:00 PM
Maybe people need to be re-tested to continue driving. There is nothing confusing about it.