Tionesta asked to address traffic hazard

A county transportation van was struck by an oncoming vehicle on the west end of Tionesta Bridge on the morning of April 6. The crash resulted in injuries to all four people involved and prompted Forest County commissioners to urge Tionesta Township to take action on the bridge's traffic pattern. (Submitted photo)
By JIM MEYER
Staff writer

Forest County commissioners are taking the first step to correct a recurring traffic safety hazard in Tionesta Township, which was recently the scene of an accident that caused injuries to four people and the total loss of a county van.

During their Thursday morning meeting, commissioners approved a letter requesting the township to take action on the traffic pattern on the west end of Tionesta Bridge, where State Routes 36 and 62 intersect.

Commissioner Chairman Robert Snyder said the area has been the scene of several fatalities over the years due to the high rate of speed on the highway where vehicles are entering the roadway from the bridge.

Most recently, four people were injured in a two-vehicle crash on April 6 when a vehicle failed to yield to oncoming traffic at the intersection and collided with a county transportation van.

Both drivers and a passenger in each vehicle suffered suspected minor injuries, and everyone but the van driver was taken to UPMC Northwest.

Both vehicles had disabling damage and were towed from the scene.

“If they slowed the speed limit down so they’re not coming at that intersection at 55 miles per hour, it would help,” Commissioner Basil Huffman said.

Snyder said in order for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to take action, Tionesta must first request PennDOT to conduct a safety study of the location. A letter from the commissioners asks the township to initiate the request to PennDOT.

“It all starts with the township,” Snyder said.