Dangerous intersection cause for concern

The intersection of Archbald Mountain Road and Mountain Road in Jefferson Twp. is dangerous. No one I have talked to about this intersection denies it. Yet, despite the fact that this intersection has been the subject of many "near misses" as well as multiple investigations from PennDOT, it remains unsafe.

The issue at hand is that Archbald Mountain Road, which is a county road, curves sharply to the right at the intersection of the two roads. The curve is not easy to see around because of large pine trees that are lining the property of Township Supervisor Paul Thomas. The pine trees are far enough back that they are not in the right of way, but they are so large the limbs obstruct the line of sight.

The paper trail regarding this intersection is a mile long. It started with a request from Jefferson Twp. to the Dunmore office of PennDOT to conduct a traffic study at this intersection to see if any enhancements can be made to improve its overall safety.

That study revealed that the sight distance looking right is limited to the decorative row of pine trees on the inside curve of Archbald Mountain Road. PennDOT suggested that the responsibility lies with the township to provide safe access onto and off a state road.

They also cited state law that stated "it is the duty of the owner of real property to remove from the property any tree, plant, shrub, or any other similar obstruction, which by obstructing the view of any driver constitutes a traffic hazard. Failure of the offense is punishable by a fine of $10 per day.

Property owner Paul Thomas has filed a formal appeal with PennDOT.

On June 12, 2012, Jefferson Twp. requested an investigation into the possibility of increasing safety by creating a multi-way stop at this intersection.

In short, despite the request, and after meeting with PennDOT officials, PennDOT stands behind their prior recommendation to have the trees trimmed and/or removed.

Sometime between then and Dec. 5, 2012, the property owner had one tree cut down and two others moved. After the removal and movement of the trees, Jefferson Twp. requested another traffic study.

In a letter dated Dec. 19, 2012, PennDOT advised the township that "despite the improvements, the measurements revealed that the available sight distance is still below the minimum required for the legally posted speed limit" and suggested "the township contact the property owner again and require them either to relocate an additional tree or to vertically clear the bottom branches to increase the available corner sight distance."