Today, PennDOT will change the traffic signal at 11th and Philadelphia Street to a blinking signal as part of the stoplight’s eventual removal after a construction project.
That change will go into effect at 10:00 this morning, according to PennDOT. Starting today, the light will flash yellow for those travelling on Philadelphia Street, and will flash red for those travelling on 11th Street. Stop signs will also be placed today on the 11th street sides of the intersection. This is part of the prep work for the upcoming bridge replacement project. When the project gets underway, the signal will come down.
PennDOT reminds everyone that a blinking yellow light means that drivers should slow down and use caution, while the blinking red light should be treated as a stop sign, with the car coming to a complete stop, and the driver looking both ways before crossing.
Indiana Borough Council in the past has voiced their displeasure with the idea of the intersection coming down, because they feel it will be a hazard to both drivers and pedestrians. Borough Council President Peter Broad said that the council had invited PennDOT to several meetings to talk about the project, but they did not take council up on the invitation.
PennDOT said the reason they are removing the traffic signal is that during the design phase, a traffic study they did indicated that the signal does not satisfy the requirements of the PA Code for installing a traffic signal.
Both PennDOT and the Indiana Borough Police will monitor traffic in the area independently of one another. Broad says that if you have any problems or concerns about the changes to the intersection, call the police.
