Hear ye, hear ye: Hanna's Town seeks reduced speed

Motorized vehicles and paved roads didn’t exist when Historic Hanna’s Town was settled in 1773.

Fast forward 252 years and the modern transportation environment is juxtaposed against the centuries-old historic site that was Westmoreland County’s first government seat. The contrast is causing problems for thousands of visitors who must cross Forbes Trail Road on foot to explore both sides of the 180-acre property, said Denis Zuzik, member of the Westmoreland Historical Society.

“Traffic unfortunately goes at an excessive speed,” he said. “I don’t think drivers appreciate the danger and the hazard that traffic at those speeds presents to people at the site.”

Hempfield and West­moreland Historical Society officials are coordinating a meeting with Westmoreland County in an effort to address issues regarding speed and safety on Forbes Trail Road. Zuzik on Monday asked township supervisors to consider reducing the speed limit on the road to 25 mph as a short-term solution, along with additional signage. The current speed limit is 40 mph.

In the long term, Zuzik suggested Forbes Trail Road be realigned.

“If that would be achieved, it would eliminate the road running through the historical area,” he said.

A county park, Historic Hanna’s Town consists of several log structures, a fortress, gardens and an education building. It is used for events, school programs, tours and reenactments throughout the year. The site is at a four-way intersection with Forbes Trail and Hannastown roads, between routes 819 and 119 a few miles north of Greensburg.

Patty Ostrowsky brought concerns about Forbes Trail Road to Hempfield’s public works department and was pleased to see township officials put up speed monitors. She represented residents at the township supervisors meeting Monday.

“It is definitely very much a safety concern … for the residents of that area as well as for the fort itself,” she said.

Township supervisors thanked Ostrowsky and Zuzik for bringing their concerns to the board. Traffic is one of the biggest challenges in the township, said Supervisor Bill Bretz.

“I appreciate your constructive ideas, and hopefully we can move forward and help you out with that both short and long term,” Bretz said.

The problem should be a priority for township officials, agreed Supervisors George Reese and Doug Weimer.

“In my opinion, we have a great staff. Hopefully, they’ll jump on that and make it a priority and address that issue,” Reese said. “It’s definitely a concern. It’s just that old country road, it needs attention.”