Wish it would happen.

A traffic light set up this way would be good. A set of sensors on either side to detect traffic. The control box would/could count 3 vehicles then turn the signal red, then green on the other side and do the same there after 3 vehicles pass. When no vehicles are detected in either direction both side would get a red light. The first to go over the sensor (at the white line on the road) would get the green light to go. In the case of only one vehicle on either side of the bridge the timer for the light could be set to 5-7 seconds of no second vehicle crossing the sensor the light would change. This all can be done now. No great technology, just simple traffic control done nowadays. But makes for a safer drive.

The right turn lane is a good idea, but this town would rather have their cops hide there and write tickets for driving on the shoulder (thus making money) that do something sensible to alleviate traffic backups.

I contacted the township and PennDOT about these and other issues in the area to no avail. Below are excerpts from my letter of June 12, 2012

Problem #1
Boot Road consistently backs up at Quarry Road.

Solution:
Install a “left turning lane” eastbound on Boot Road and a “right turning lane” westbound on Boot Road.

Points to consider:
More than 75% of the traffic traveling eastbound on Boot Road toward Quarry Road, turn left onto Quarry Road.
At peak times, Boot Road is backed up to the Intermediate Unit and beyond on the West and beyond both tunnels on the East.
Currently, there is only one lane on Boot Road in both directions and the shoulder is marked “stay off shoulder.”
The 25% who are going straight on eastbound Boot Road have to wait through all the people who are turning left. Once they get close, they aren’t even permitted to go around the turning traffic because the shoulder is marked off.
Probably less than 10% of traffic turns onto Valley Creek Road off Boot and/or crosses Quarry Road onto Valley Creek Road.

Problem #2:
No Turn on Red allowed at Quarry Road onto the Route 30 Bypass eastbound on-ramp.

Solution:
Remove the “No Turn on Red” sign.

Points to consider:
This intersection does not cross any streets.
The right turn is onto an on-ramp!
On the left, cars are exiting the Brandywine Square Shopping Center with the majority turning onto Quarry Road.

Problem #3:
The second tunnel on Boot Road westbound before Quarry Road reduces to a single lane with poor warning.

Solution:
Install a “One Lane Ahead” sign with flashing lights on the South side of Boot Road approximately at the telephone pole just before the second tunnel.

Points to consider:
Unless you travel these roads frequently, you don’t realize the second tunnel is a single lane until you make the bend directly in front of the tunnel.
The “One Lane Overpass” sign on the North side of Boot Road is often obscured by shrubbery and does not stand out/catch your attention.
Just past the existing sign, the road curves and you are facing the area just before where the tunnel begins. This is in your direct line of vision. A flashing light here would catch your attention and give you time to slow if you were previously unaware of the single lane restriction.
I don’t know how many, but know there have been a few accidents at this location for this very reason.

Problem #4:
Lane closures on Quarry Road from Lancaster Avenue are confusing at best and unnecessary.

Solution:
Leave the two lanes that existed previously on this stretch of Quarry Road there. Use the left lane as a turning lane into the Quarry Crossing shopping center with a sign indicating “Left Turn Only Ahead.” The entrance to Main Street on Route 100 is an example.

Points to consider:
All lanes turning onto Quarry Road from E. Lancaster Avenue are now funneled into one lane.
If you are turning left onto Quarry Road from E. Lancaster Avenue intending to turn left into Quarry Crossing Shopping Center, you have to first get in the right lane for a few yards, then get into the left lane. Why shouldn’t you be able to turn directly into the left lane and merge right if you’re going straight or stay left is you’re turning into Quarry Crossing?

Please share this if you agree.