PENFIELD – For two weeks, motorists driving on state Route 153 will see their speeds posted on a speed display sign that was unveiled on Monday morning.
The sign is the result of efforts between PennDOT; state Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 Houtzdale; state Rep. Dan Surra, D-75 Kersey; and Pine and Huston Township supervisors.
Rep. Surra said he was happy that PennDOT was looking at the issue of speeding along SR 153 seriously. Surra said that for those who do not see a problem with trucks speeding on the road, he insist they sit at the light in Penfield.
“It’s the Daytona 500 for truck traffic,” said Surra.
“I appreciate the fact we’re all coming together,” added Surra.
George also called for the community to stand together, and noted that one out of every three hundred people die as a result of highway traffic accidents.
“We’re here to save lives,” said George.
Nellie Bundy, Huston Township Supervisor Chairperson, noted that her road crews have to work along SR 153.
“We can’t have that kind of traffic coming through Huston Township,” said Bundy. “It’s suicide.”
Dave Long, Pine Township Supervisor, also added his comments.
“This road is terrible for speeding,” said Long.
Pine Township already has a speed display sign up just down the road from the newly announced one at Johnston’s Nursery. Long said that since their’s has been up, he has noted trucks traveling at speeds of 70 miles per hour.
Mike Bagglio, PennDOT District 2 traffic engineer, said that the speed limits on roadways are not arbitrarily set. He said that speed limits are set through speed studies.
Bagglio noted that for the speed limit to change, a study would be done on the speeds of 100 vehicles. Of those 100, the 85th percentile’s speeds would be examined.
According to Bagglio, 41 accidents have been the result of aggressive driving on the roadway. Aggressive driving can be anything from careless passing to driving over the posted speed limit.
Bagglio noted that there has been two fatalities in nine years along the roadway.
“We take this as a serious issue,” said Bagglio.
“The best deterrent to excessive speed is through enforcement,” said Bagglio.
A representative from state police DuBois also said that they plan on getting troopers out there and taking a proactive approach to slowing things down.
“I think it’s a step in the right direction,” said Robert Plant, area resident, though he also noted it was not the solution to the problem.
“Is there solution,” asked Plant, who answered, “Just more enforcement.”