Sep 5, 2002 By Jenny Susa 5 min read

ROSTRAVER TWP. – The residents of Rostraver Township have known for years that the intersection of Darr Road and Route 51 is a dangerous. But the recent death of local resident Jason Drake in an accident there has brought together many citizens, including the board of commissioners, in an effort to improve the safety conditions at that intersection.

Almost 50 people came to the township meeting Wednesday to show their concern about the issue.

“When you come to that intersection, you have to hold your breath every single time,” said local resident Bill Ambrose, referring to the high number of accidents that have happened there.

Jeri Drake spoke to the commissioners about how her family has suffered because of the accident that killed her grandson, Jason.

“I hope no one has to go through what the Drake family did,” Drake said. “I hope that the people who came here tonight will write to PennDOT and tell their friends to write.

“The support we have received has been awesome, but that doesn’t fix the broken heart,” she said.

Drake reported that a bus driver came to the funeral home and told her that most of the bus drivers are “scared to death” when they are at that intersection.

President George Martin said that the effort to increase the safety at the intersection has been going on since 1993. However, he said “the ball was dropped somewhere along the way,” and he told citizens that they would have to put constant pressure on PennDOT and legislators in order to improve the situation.

Martin, along with other members of the board of commissioners, met with representatives of PennDOT recently to discuss what they thought would make the intersection safer, and get permission to make the necessary changes.

Brian Hart, the district traffic engineer, Tom O’Hern, the safety manager, and Don Davanzo of PennDOT planning, were among those present at the meeting.

“At the meeting I tried to give the best presentation possible, showing videos, police reports and accident history,” Martin said. “This went back and forth for a couple of hours, and I walked out of there more frustrated than I have ever been.”

While the board believes that a traffic light, a turning lane and additional signs before the intersection would help reduce the number of accidents that occur there, PennDOT did not agree that all of those changes would be necessary.

“There was no consideration whatsoever for a tuning lane,” said Martin. “They didn’t want to hear of it. We also asked for larger signs in that area. We wanted a sign warning that there is a dangerous intersection ahead, which they turned down because they said that they could be open for lawsuits if they say there is a dangerous intersection.”

Although PennDOT declined to put up a sign like that, Martin said they did agree to put up a crossroad sign, and a sign that warned drivers of turning traffic.

PennDOT also turned down the request to reduce the speed limit in the area, saying that it was not justifiable.

Rob Hannan, who lives on Darr Road, addressed the board, wondering if there was a “temporary solution to make it a little bit safer” until further action could be taken.

Martin said that a flashing light could be installed at the township’s expense that would also be maintained by the township. He said a letter was sent out Tuesday requesting that the commissioners be allowed to do that.

PennDOT also agreed to a study, which would be included in the 12-year plan, according to Martin.

“The earliest they could go on the books with this would be summer of 2004,”said Martin.

Commissioner Andrew Temoshenka said he thought they should get on that plan as soon as possible.

“I think we should get on the 12-year program,” said Temoshenka. “At the time you were allowed a hearing, you could then give testimony for a turning lane. Although it is long-term, it is a solution.”

Commissioner Nick Lorenzo agreed that it would be the best way to go.

“It was unbelievable how many nos we got out of there, but if everyone works together here and pushes for it, we may be able to change this,” said Lorenzo.

In an effort to reduce speeding near the intersection, Martin said they would try to monitor speed more closely with police vehicles and other equipment.

Commissioner Donald Yoder said that years ago a letter was sent to the state police that prohibited them from patrolling Route 51, and the board agreed to send another letter to have them patrol the area again.

“To have the Rostraver police do it all the time does tie up our resources, and I think we should let the state police monitor 51 again,” said Yoder.

Commissioner Brian Sokol agreed, but said that Rostraver police should continue to monitor there as well.

“I agree with you but I think we should put some heavy hits on there also,” he said.

Martin added that he though the Rostraver chief of police was in the process of setting something up with the state police in relation to Route 51.

In order to begin fighting for improved safety conditions, local resident John Virgilio brought a petition that contained 1,470 names of citizens who are concerned about the accidents that occur at the Darr Road intersection, which Martin said would be “duly noted to legislators.”

“If we can save just one family from going through what we did, it would be worth it,” said Drake.

Martin encouraged all citizens who are concerned to keep writing letters so that they will be heard.