Bumps or humps? Milford wants to calm traffic on borough’s ‘speedway’
Milford. A engineer will determine the location of humps or other traffic-slowing devices on Seventh Street.
| 01 Oct 2021 | 12:32
The Milford Borough Council (Photo by Frances Ruth Harris)
The Milford council discussed ways to calm the traffic zipping though “the borough’s speedway.”
At their Sept. 14 meeting, the council discussed installing bumps, humps, and pedestrian walkways — devices used to slow traffic — on Seventh Street. Third Street was also likened to a racetrack.
The council is leaning toward the installation of two humps and a pedestrian walkway. Each hump will cost around $3,000. Budgeted money is available to pay for them, the council said.
According to the Traffic Safety Blog, speed humps are used for 10-to-15 mph speed zones, and “creates a gentle rocking sensation in a car passing over it at the posted speed limit,” while speed bumps are higher and “more aggressive,” used in places “where pedestrians and cars share space closely” forcing motorists to slow down to 2 to 10 miles per hour.
In planning for safety, an engineer will do an assessment to determine the best location.
The intersection of Catherine and High Streets were named as possible locations for humps.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation identified police enforcement as the number one deterrent to control traffic and ensure safety. But in the borough, with one officer, law enforcement isn’t an effective option.
A traffic study, funded by NEPA, is now in progress in the borough, with the final report still months away.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
Black Bear Film Festival: Hosted by Milford Theatre, the festival, Oct. 15-17, will feature a tent in front of the theater on East Catherine Street between Fourth and Blackberry Alley. Merchandise and food will be sold.
The Zombie Fun Run: The run starts at 8:45 a.m. on Oct. 23 behind Key Foods. Runners then turn right onto Elderberry Alley and cross over Seventh Street with the help of police support. They will continue on West High Street, turning right onto Raspberry Alley, and then right onto West Catherine Street, finishing at the rear of Key Foods.
The Pooch Parade: The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Oct. 23 at the Columns Museum and ends at Ann Street Park, where awards will be given for best pooch costumes.
Fun times: The Chamber of Commerce is connecting with Milford Garden Club for events and fun times beginning at noon on Oct. 23 at the Community House.
Fall Classic: Milford Lions Club presents the first annual Fall Classic with proceeds going to multiple sclerosis research and other community projects. Meet at Ann Street Park at 10 a.m. on Oct. 30, then move to either the 5K run, the 16-mile bike run, or a walk. The first 50 to sign up in any category will get tee-shirts. First- and second-place trophies will be awarded in each category. Water and fruit will be available for participants. Call Jim Quinn at 570-493-3223 or Jeff Phillips at 570-228-6480 to learn how the Milford Lions Club contributes to the community.
Street lighting: Two-thirds of all old-style bulbs will be replaced with less-expensive LED bulbs in existing street lamps to make the historic district shine.
Cherry Alley: A stormwater study will determine how to address flooding at the end of Cherry Alley, which occurs even after minor rains.