John Mack - Newtown Supervisor
Pennsylvania's Transportation Survey

Pennsylvania's Transportation Survey

The following is an email message sent to the Newtown Township Supervisors and several other elected officials from Fred Kachuk, a concerned Newtown Twp resident.

Hello neighbors,

Warmer weather and sunshine are finally here! Please consider taking the PENNDOT Transportation Survey before Wednesday, April 14.

This is an opportunity to comment about those daily annoyances that you would like to have fixed. I’ve submitted several comments online, and below are two which may also interest you.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Mr. Kachuk's Comments

Sound Barriers

532N Newtown Bypass

Several years ago the Bypass was upgraded and expanded; an additional northbound lane was added to accommodate the large increase in traffic flow. The traffic noise here is above safe limits for the residents of Newtown Place and Chandler Hall, many which live within 100ft. of the Bypass. I’ve also contacted the Newtown Police Dept.(never responded) regarding the constant clatter from truck ‘brake-retarders’.  We need sound barriers.  In 2015 State Senator McIlhinney and State Representative Santarsiero submitted this request to acting PENNDOT Acting Secretary Richards.  I’m not aware of any further progress on this matter, and would appreciate an update.

Pedestrian Crossings

RT 532N and Swamp Rd. between Woodbourne Rd. & Bucks County Community College

We need additional pedestrian crossings on the Newtown Bypass. At present there is only one publicly accessible crossing at the intersection of Summit Trace Rd.  There is also a privately owned pedestrian bridge crossing near the intersection of North State St., but this is owned by the George School and they do not allow public access.

Several thousand people live within a few hundred feet of this 3.5 mile corridor along with many very busy public and private properties, including:

  • Helen Randle Park
  • Bucks County Community College
  • Tyler Park
  • Village At Newtown Shopping Center
  • Council Rock North High School
  • St Andrew Catholic Church
  • Newtown Middle School 
  • Shir Ami 
  • Newtown | YMCA of Bucks County
  • Chandler Hall Health Services
  • Newtown Reformed Church
  • The George School
  • Summit Square Shopping Center
  • Newtown Athletic Club

"I expect PENNDOT to look closely at options for improving this situation," said Mr. Kachuk. "In addition to new signaling, crosswalks or bridges, I would suggest contacting the George School.  It might be possible to reach an agreement with them to allow public access to their pedestrian bridge*, or allow PENNDOT to add public entrance ramps to the bridge."

*My comment: Now that Arcadia will be building 70 homes at the intersection of Buck Road and the Bypass (read Newtown Township Supervisors Approved a Settlement Agreement with Arcadia), it may be a good idea to add a pedestrian bridge at that location. Just sayin'.

Posted on 30 Mar 2021, 11:08 - Category: Traffic