Hempfield plans work to improve safety along Route 66

Improved safety measures are coming for two sections of Business Route 66 in Hempfield, as well as a park in the north end of the township.

Supervisors on Wednesday awarded a contract to Penn Line Service, Inc. for $125,000. Hempfield received $140,000 in funding from PennDOT’s Automated Red Light Enforcement grant program to pay for the project, said township manager Aaron Siko.

The money will be used to upgrade flashing safety lights on the two-lane road at the entrance for Maxwell Elementary School on McCabe Drive and in front of the North Hempfield Fire Station 501, near the entrance to Hempfield Park.

Existing light systems at the two locations are outdated and not functioning, Siko said.

The funding also will be used to create a raised crosswalk on Forbes Trail Road between a dog park and amenities at Hempfield Park. The spot is seeing increased use and the addition of the crosswalk will allow pedestrians to get to public restrooms and elsewhere in the park on the other side of the road, he said.

Supervisor Doug Weimer said the grant will help the board improve public and traffic safety in an important section of Hempfield.

“The township’s doing work to improve the state’s infrastructure,” he said.

The project is expected to start this summer.

The grant was awarded to the lowest bidder. A second bid was received from Bronder Technical Services for $155,340.

Funding for the grants come from revenue of fines collected through Automated Red Light Enforcement Systems and Automated Speed Enforcement Systems, according to PennDOT.