September 25, 2008                                                                            

Adolph Working to Address Springfield Traffic Problems

Calls meeting of PennDOT, Township officials and SEPTA to determine how to reduce congestion on major roadways caused by timing of traffic lights and trolley gates at crossings 

SPRINGFIELD, PA – Representative Bill Adolph is working to find solutions to the problem of growing congestion on heavily travelled roadways in Springfield during the rush hour commute.  To help address the issues, Adolph called a meeting last Monday of officials from Springfield Township, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, and SEPTA. 

Adolph said residents may already be seeing some improvements in traffic conditions along Springfield Road, which has had traffic backups stretching from Brookside Road to Route 1, Township Line Road during the afternoon commute.  During the morning rush hour, traffic backed up from Brookside Road to as far as Bishop Avenue in the other direction.  Following Adolph’s inquiries and calls for a meeting of the various parties, it was determined that the timing of the traffic signal at the intersection of Brookside and Springfield Roads had been programmed incorrectly. 

Adolph, noted however, that there are still other issues to resolve, primarily relating to the SEPTA gates that were installed at various rail crossings throughout the township.  These gates have contributed to significant traffic backups along Springfield Road and Woodland Avenue (Route 420), as well as other trolley crossings in the Township.  During the meeting last week, Adolph expressed concerns that SEPTA’s trolley drivers may not be stopping at the proper locations, a problem that results in the gates remaining down for extended and unnecessary periods of time.  Similarly, when trolleys come through the intersections at close intervals, typically during rush hour, the closure of the gates can result in long queues forming on major roadways, such as Springfield Road and Woodland Avenue.

“I heard a number of complaints from local residents about the congestion issues in Springfield, a problem that grew much worse with the start of the school season and end of summer vacations,” said Adolph.  “By bringing together PennDOT, SEPTA, and Township officials to discuss this issues and problem-solve, we have already seen significant improvements.  Hopefully we can work with SEPTA to address some lingering concerns and put an end to these severe traffic issues.”

Adolph represents the 165th Legislative District, which includes portions of Marple, Morton, Radnor, and Springfield.