The first thing on the agenda for the September 26th meeting of the Whitemarsh Board of Supervisors is an update on from Montgomery County on the Butler Pike and West Valley Green Bridge closures.

The township put out a newsletter today that offered details on these closures, plus addressed the concerns about the perceived lack of coordination between the various government entities maintaining roads in the township.

In regards to project coordination:

Various entities can undertake road work in a municipality. Montgomery County, PennDOT, utilities private developers and the Township can have the lead on construction projects. The Township works hard to coordinate the timing of projects. Unfortunately, that is not always possible.

A good example of this is the work taking place at Stenton Avenue. That work is being done by court order. The Township was not permitted to delay the construction.

In regards to the West Valley Green Bridge:

The West Valley Green Bridge is owned and maintained by Montgomery County. It has been closed to all traffic. The County has awarded a contract to make repairs to allow for the re-opening of the bridge with a weight restriction while work in underway on the design and replacement of the bridge.

The Board of Supervisors had expressed concerns to the County regarding the traffic problems caused by the closure. The County initially intended to keep the bridge closed for several years. After being pressed on that timing, the County received permission from PennDOT to remove the bridge and maintain it as a historical asset that can be used elsewhere. This will save a significant amount of time and freed up money to make the interim repairs.

In regards to Stenton

The work at this intersection involves the installation of designated left turn lanes in both directions from Stenton Avenue and a designated right turn lane from Flourtown Road. Stormwater improvements will also be made at the intersection. This is one of the five intersections the Township must improve by court order.

The Township has already completed traffic light installations at two intersections along Stenton Avenue and Militia Hill Road. The intersections of Joshua Road and Stenton Avenue and Joshua Road and Flourtown Road will be widened and left hand turn lanes will be built in all directions.