State roads issues need to be addressed
State roads in Waynesburg may well be the most highly studied within the state. That is because the “historic” road grid is archaic, suitable only for horse and buggy traffic.
Past studies called for necessary changes that are unpopular with obscure and unidentified local forces. The lack of updating and improvements perpetrates long-standing problems. Hence, calls for more tax-supported studies.
The Greene County Messenger’s June 12-18 edition reports that at a recent borough council meeting a Richhill Street resident called for a study of Route 19 traffic in his neighborhood. The resident is quoted to state “PennDOT has done squat on Route 19.” A proposed action is to reduce the speed limit from 25 miles per hour to 15.
Shortly after the Route 19 bypass was defeated and the Morrisville-Waynesburg Traffic Task Force was cut short of completion, the speed limit was reduced from 35 MPH to 25. Now somebody wants another drop to 15 MPH. That appears to be a pattern of regressive thinking which, in these parts, is commonly referred to as backwardness.
Truth be known, PennDOT has done and continues to do much to promote the general welfare as prescribed by the U.S. Constitution. How it is possible for personal and special interests in Greene County to override state operations is a mystery to me. In “historic” Rome that phenomenon was called “Sanctum Sanctorum.” That was a place of utmost privacy and inviolability.
Over the years, I have developed a hunch that Greene County has that kind of thing. A favorite adage of my father’s is “There is nothing new under the sun.”
Should state Rep. Pam Snyder respond in a favorable manner to the study request, I believe specific goals need to be established and prioritized. The first goal needs to be neutralization of the local sanctum sanctorum. Second, develop a comprehensive plan that will enable the speed limit to be safely reestablished at 35 MPH from the current 25. Third, orchestrate and lead local government to implement the plan.
Paul Lagojda
Cumberland Township