Happy Valley Road getting new bridge and name
Perry Township supervisors (from left) Janet Gallo, Clarence Johnson and A.J. Boni discuss changing the name of Happy Valley Road.
Perry Township Supervisor A.J. Boni explains that residents of Happy Valley Road are being asked to come up with a new name to prevent sign thefts.
?PERRY TWP. — Construction is to begin next week on the Happy Valley Road bridge, but the township supervisors Tuesday voted to address another problem on the road as well: a name that invites street sign thefts.
“As everyone knows, Happy Valley USA is Penn State,” said A.J. Boni, chairman of the supervisors.
The street signs tend to disappear on a regular basis, according to Boni, so the supervisors are asking those who live on the road to consider a new name.
Boni said the bridge on Happy Valley Road has been out for the past three years. A new earthen bridge is being constructed to replace it.
“Five hundred fifty tri-axles of material will be brought in. It’s not a bridge right now, it’s just a ravine,” Boni said.
The supervisors approved an ordinance to increase the township’s indebtedness by $250,000 to cover the cost of the new bridge. Boni said the new bridge may be open for use by Thanksgiving, though it will still need the final coat of asphalt, which will be put on in the spring.
In other matters, the supervisors adopted a statement of support for members of the National Guard and military Reserve units, recognizing the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. The statement of support is in line with a resolution passed by the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors.
The supervisors also set Sept. 20 as the fall cleanup day, coinciding with the regular garbage collection date. Residents are asked to avoid disposing of hazardous materials.
Halloween trick or treating was scheduled for Monday, Oct. 31. starting at 4:30 p.m. A parade will begin at 6 p.m. at the circle in the borough, with the expense of the parade shared by the township, the fire department and the borough.
It was also announced that the Perry Township Municipal Authority has received approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to seek bids for Phase 2 of its sewer line installation project. the project will provide sewerage for about 85 homes along Whitsett, Banning Hill and Rehobeth Church Road.
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