PennDOT won't fund traffic signals

Traffic volume on U.S. Route 224 in Union Township isn't considered heavy enough for a signal.
UNION -- The state will not come up with any money to improve traffic problems in the township's developing commercial area but it has agreed to do a traffic study.
Township officials met with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation representatives after last month's meeting when traffic problems on U.S. Route 224 were discussed.
They learned the state does not consider the traffic volume high enough to merit a traffic light on Route 224 at Wilson Road or an improved signal with turning arrows at Scotland Lane.
The township could install the signals -- at $100,000 per signal -- but supervisors have said they do not have the money.
The state will, however, do a speed study on Route 224 from Parkstown to Scotland Lane to determine whether a speed limit reduction is necessary. State officials also told supervisors it can restrict parking in the Parkstown area and use road markings to better control traffic.
Donation requests: In June, supervisors also discussed asking local business to donate toward the traffic signal purchase. Supervisor Ralph Nuzzo said Thursday that the township sent letters requesting donations to 140 businesses and received no response.
Supervisor Kevin Guinaugh said county commissioners have told him they may be able to find the township some grant money to be used toward buying the traffic signals.
In other business Thursday, Guinaugh announced the proposed list of roads for paving. They include: Barker, Harrick, Rapson and portions of West Washington Street, Scotland Lane, Linden Street and Winter Road. Supervisors authorized advertising for bids for the project.
Supervisors authorized the purchase of a new police car under a state group purchasing plan. They discussed buying either a $18,649 Chevrolet Impala or $21,386 Ford Crown Victoria.
Supervisors will look at each model at the state police barracks before making a decision.
Firing officer: They also agreed to formally fire Darryl G. Quimby, a township police officer sentenced to jail earlier this month for corruption of minors and recklessly endangering another person.
Quimby pleaded guilty to the charges filed last year for threatening a 19-year-old man and drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana with several persons under 21.
Quimby already has been replaced, but Nuzzo said he hopes the township can hire an additional police officer in the next month or two, which would bring the force up to two full-time and three part-time officers.