Study involving vision plan for Butler Pike available for public comment. One local element will prove to be controversial

Montgomery County is currently undertaking a $300,000 study of six main corridors within the county “to ensure roadways will support twenty-first-century lifestyles.” The roadways involved are Easton Road, Butler Pike, Germantown Pike, Sumneytown Pike, Geryville Pike, and Swamp Pike.

The local road involved is Butler Pike (while Germantown Pike is involved, it is the portion further west). Butler Pike is being studied from the intersection with North Lane in Plymouth and Whitemarsh Townships to the intersection with Limekiln Pike in Horsham Township. Not included in the study is the portion of the road that goes through the Borough of Ambler that is known as Butler Avenue.

The vision plan for Butler Pike lays out several corridor-wide improvements and strategies.

  • Corridor-Wide Improvement Strategies
  • Add bicycle and pedestrian facilities and fill in the gaps between existing facilities
  • Improve bus stops including amenities, and provide better pedestrian connections
  • Improve access management in commercial areas
  • Upgrade storm water management facilities
  • Add shoulders and widen existing shoulders to preferred width
  • Upgrade traffic signals and provide improved coordination systems between closely spaced intersections

In regards to specific intersections, the following is suggested:

  • Intersection with North Lane
    • Add turning lanes
  • North Lane to Ridge Pike including Ridge Pike Intersection
    • Traffic signal upgrades
    • Upgrade pedestrian facilities
    • Bus stop amenities
  • Intersection with Germantown Pike
    • Realign intersection
    • Reduce number of driveways
    • Add turning lanes
    • Traffic signal upgrades
    • Upgrade pedestrian crossings and signals
  • Intersection with Plymouth Road/Flourtown Road
    • Add turning lanes
    • Traffic signal upgrades
  • Intersection with Narcissa Road
    • Realignment
    • Improve horizontal/vertical geometry
  • Intersection with Township Line Road
    • Add turning lanes
    • Add traffic signal

What is likely the most controversial thing recommended in this plan is the realignment of the intersection of Butler and Germantown pikes. The road currently weaves its way around the historic structures from the Quaker community dating back to the colonial era. Most notably is Abolition Hall, which was a focal point of the abolition movement locally and a stop on the Underground Railroad.

This effort to straighten the road at this location has been discussed for decades. Those who have been opposed are concerned about the impact on the Abolition Hall and the neighboring buildings. from the other buildings by a busy road.

You can find the full document here. You can comment on the recommendations here.