Long Branch seeks PennDOT’s help at dangerous intersection
Long Branch council is asking the state Department of Transportation for help to curb speeding at an intersection that has been the site of numerous traffic accidents.
The motion to install rumble strips and signage at Dally and Elco Hill roads was approved by each of the four members of council in attendance at Thursday’s meeting. It also includes a caveat in the paperwork sent to PennDOT to absolve the borough of any liability.
According to Mike Natale, 10 accidents have occurred at the intersection in the last five years, including one fatality.
Natale, who holds both the Democratic and Republican nominations for mayor in the November election, said one of his priorities is making the intersection safer. He facilitated a meeting with PennDOT District 12 officials and borough residents earlier this year to discuss what can be done to improve the safety there.
“Numbers don’t lie,” Natale said. “Even though this is not a concern for (PennDOT), they are listening to us. They understand it’s a concern for us, so they’re willing to go outside of their normal parameters because we are concerned about this. They’re willing to do these things because they’re listening to us, not because it’s high on their danger list.”
Council also requested that police routinely monitor the area for speeders.
Christina Scales is a resident who will be impacted by the installation of rumble strips.
“I wish they were there when we moved here 25 years ago,” she said. “My mailbox was wiped out five times in two years.”
Councilman Bill Nutt was among those involved in that meeting with PennDOT. He said the traffic calming devices are not the perfect solution but will help.
“With (police) doing speed checks up there I think it is going to help tremendously. Both those things are going to help that intersection a whole lot. I’m trying to save people’s lives, slow people down.”
Solicitor Dennis Makel also suggested having a town hall meeting, inviting state politicians to address the intersection.
“It doesn’t hurt to try,” he said.