The plan was outlined in the PennDOT “Flashing Warning Device Permit” for this pedestrian crossing upgrade.

More details on how the RRFBs will operate...

This is my personal summary of my notes regarding the October 25, 2023, meeting of the #NewtownPA Township Board of Supervisors (BOS). This is not a complete nor an official summary.

Planning Commission Report

• Capital Grille Signage
• Durham Road Development: Medical Office and Day Care Buildings
• Business Commons Rezoning Overlay Plan

Engineer’s Report/Topics

• Lower Dolington Road Multi-Use Trail
• Newtown Creek Pedestrian Bridge Grant Proposal

Budget Discussion

• SAFER Grant and Future New Taxes
• Tara Blvd RRFB Project

Other Items of Interest

• Detailed Notes
• Official Video
• Video Transcript

More...

This is the video edition of the September 23, 2023, #NewtownPA News of Interest e-newsletter. Topics include:

(1) Plans for pedestrian- activated Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons at two locations;
(2) Supervisor Mack "refuses to recuse" himself from Kushner RE hearing and goes on to challenge the developer's key so-called "expert" witness;
(3) Planning Commission Chair thinks developers' proposals are "Ridiculous" - hear what she has to say;
(4) Supervisor Mack discusses issues with residents at September 11, 2023, Meet Mack Monday Zoom meeting;
(5) Newtown Emergency Services Department gets FEMA grant that will allow 24/7 fire coverage in Newtown Twp and Boro.

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The Falls Township Board of Supervisors have approved a pedestrian safety improvement project in Levittown.

Remington and Vernick Engineers presented a plan for pedestrian safety enhancements that are expected to cost $57,177.

The proposal from Remington and Vernick Engineers for New Falls Road and Vermillion Drive was approved during Monday evening’s meeting.

Although New Falls Road is under PennDOT jurisdiction, the township will pay for the installation of rectangular rapid flash beacon traffic control devices.

Vice Chairman Jeff Boraski, who led the meeting in Chairman Jeff Dence’s absence, emphasized Falls Township’s efforts to keep to pedestrians safe, especially near Pennsbury High School.

“The township felt it was in our best interest and the residents’ best interest to move forward with this project,” Boraski explained.

The engineering firm recommended the installation of wired push buttons on both sides of the crosswalks, allowing pedestrians to request a safe crossing.

The rectangular rapid flash beacons, an integral component of the pedestrian safety upgrades, are specifically designed to heighten driver awareness at marked midblock crossings. These beacons consist of rectangular-shaped amber LED lights positioned below pedestrian warning signs, according to township officials.

Township Manager Matthew Takita estimated construction will commence in approximately four months and the project will wrap up within six months.

Although the Newtown Township traffic engineer (RVE) and Township Solicitor previously were of the opinion that changing the speed limit of Newtown-Yardley Rd from Elm St to Lower Dolington Rd would require permission from PennDOT, residents provided evidence that the existing factors regarding pedestrian safety are sufficient to lower the speed limit from 35 to 25 mph and PennDOT permission is NOT required as Newtown-Yardley Rd is a “turn-back” township road.

“To help create a more uniform posted speed along the corridor, increase pedestrian safety at the existing crossing, as well as improve pedestrian and transit connectivity to the Borough, there is a benefit to lowering the posted speed limit to 25mph from the Newtown Borough line to the signalized intersection with Dolington Road/Terry Drive,” said RVE  in an updated traffic study memorandum.

More...

The Township Manager proposes that Newtown install push button activated overhead Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs, see figure) at the unsignalized crossing at N Sycamore St and Silo Dr, plus additional improved signage and striping, and ADA curb ramp improvements. 

See a video from the Federal Highway Administration showing the use of RRFBs.

Additional details of the plan...