Overview

This proposal seeks the Board’s approval for the removal of unnecessary rumble strips on Stony Road, the expansion of the roadway to improve biker safety, and the installation of speed tables as a noise-reducing traffic-calming measure. The current rumble strips are generating excessive noise, disturbing nearby residents, and creating safety concerns for cyclists due to narrow bike lanes. The goal of this proposal is to enhance safety and quality of life for both residents and road users through a series of planned improvements.

Current Issues

1. Noise Pollution: Residents along Stony Road have reported significant noise disturbances from vehicles passing over the rumble strips.
2. Biker Safety: The current bike lanes are narrow, and the rumble strips do not provide a safe riding space for cyclists. This has led to cyclists being driven off the road by cars.
3. Unnecessary Rumble Strips: based on community feedback and precedent on similar roadways, the rumble strips are deemed unnecessary for maintaining road safety on this particular stretch.

Proposed Plan

1. Rumble Strip Removal

• Action: Contract with a professional road crew to remove the unnecessary rumble strips along Stony Road.
• Reasoning: The rumble strips are no longer needed for road safety and cause unnecessary noise disturbances.
• Outcome: Reduced noise pollution for residents while maintaining road safety through other traffic-calming measures.

Estimated Cost: $12,000

2. Relocation of Telephone Poles if necessary (Prior to Roadway Expansion)

• Action: Coordinate with local utility providers to assess and relocate telephone poles that obstruct the planned roadway expansion.
• Reasoning: The telephone poles are positioned too close to the existing roadway and would interfere with the planned widening of the road. Their relocation is critical to ensure sufficient space for the expanded bike lane and to enhance overall road safety.
• Outcome: Clear and unobstructed space for roadway expansion, ensuring safety for cyclists and motorists alike.

Estimated Cost for Relocation: $20,000 (pending utility company assessment)

3. Roadway Expansion (After Pole Relocation) if neccessary

• Action: Expand the roadway by 1.5 feet on each side to provide additional space for cyclists, ensuring a safer and more comfortable bike lane.
• Reasoning: The current bike lanes are too narrow, increasing the risk to cyclists. Expanding the road will allow for a dedicated bike lane, improving safety for all road users.
• Outcome: Improved safety for cyclists and reduced conflicts between cyclists and motorists.

Estimated Cost: $45,000

4. Speed Table Installation

• Action: Install speed tables at strategic points along Stony Road to replace the rumble strips as a traffic-calming measure.
• Reasoning: Speed tables are more effective at slowing down vehicles without generating the noise caused by rumble strips, making them ideal for residential areas.
• Outcome: Slower vehicle speeds in key areas, increased safety for all road users, and reduced noise levels for residents.

Estimated Cost: $30,000 (installation of 3 speed tables)

5. Additional Safety Measures

• Widened Bike Lane: Mark the expanded road with dedicated bike lanes, using reflective paint and proper signage to ensure clear separation between motorists and cyclists.
• Signage and Markers: Install new signs and reflective markers to alert motorists to the presence of cyclists and indicate speed table locations.

Estimated Cost for Signage and Markers: $8,000

Budget and Funding

• Total Estimated Costs:
• Rumble Strip Removal: $12,000
• Roadway Expansion: $45,000
• Speed Table Installation: $30,000
• Signage and Markers: $8,000
• Total Project Estimate: $95,000
• Funding Source: The project can be funded through township budget allocations, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) infrastructure grants, or other applicable federal or state funding programs. Additional options include seeking local or county-level transportation grants for road safety improvements.

Timeline

• Phase 1: Rumble Strip Removal (Estimated completion time: 2 weeks)
• Phase 2: Roadway Expansion (Estimated completion time: 4-6 weeks)
• Phase 3: Speed Table Installation and Signage (Estimated completion time: 2-3 weeks)
• Project Completion: 12 weeks (3 months total)

Community Impact

• Noise Reduction: The removal of the rumble strips will immediately reduce noise pollution, improving the quality of life for Stony Road residents.
• Biker and Pedestrian Safety: Expanding the roadway and installing speed tables will create a safer environment for cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists.
• Traffic Calming: The installation of speed tables will slow traffic naturally, enhancing safety without the disruptive noise caused by rumble strips.

Recommendation

I recommend that the Warwick Township Board of Supervisors approve this proposal to remove the rumble strips, expand the roadway, and install speed tables. This plan addresses both the noise complaints from residents and the safety concerns for cyclists, while still maintaining a calm and safe traffic environment on Stony Road.

Submitted by: Brittany Kosin

Submitted Date: October 24, 2024