PennDOT is working to make several safety improvements to a dangerous intersection along Route 13 in Bristol Township.
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Following the death of 12-year-old Josiah Grant at the intersection of Route 13 and Beaver Dam Road on Saturday, August 31, PennDOT has begun work using contractor Kuharchik Construction Inc., of Luzerne County, on the busy stretch of road.
In a statement, PennDOT announced that work will “improve travel and reduce high-speed crashes.”
PennDOT spokesperson Robyn Briggs told LevittownNow.com that a centerline lane separator curb will be extended to the existing crosswalk, pavement markings are being installed around the radius of the intersection with two-foot white markings to enhance the travel lanes and shoulders, signage is being added to advise turning vehicles to yield to pedestrians, and additional “No U-Turn” signage will be added overhead to prevent vehicles from making U-Turns at the crosswalk.
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The contractor started work this week and that has caused periodic lane closures on Route 13 in the area of the intersection.
The work that is taking place this week is part of a $7.5 million regional safety project being under taken by PennDOT. Federal funds are paying for the project.
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Local resident Susan Pencola presented a petition to Bristol Township Council in September requesting “a sincere effort to make Route 13 and Beaver Dam Road a safer place.”
The petition calls for speed cameras, extended walk times for pedestrians, and more lighting along the corridor.
Pencola described dangerous driving she’s witnessed on Route 13 during the morning commute hours.
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Township Manager Randee Mazur said last month that officials are exploring options for red light cameras at four intersections along Route 13, including one at Edgely Road. However, the Beaver Dam Road intersection presents jurisdictional challenges due to shared control with Bristol Borough.
Mazur said the township has started discussions with Bristol Borough about potential safety improvements at the intersection. The township is also considering enhanced lighting along Route 13 between the Pennsylvania Turnpike interchange and Beaver Dam Road.
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Route 13 saw a major overhaul a decade ago, but it has continued to be plagued by pedestrian crashes and deaths, which have led to some safety improvements and increased traffic enforcement.
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