An odd and troublesome Route 611 intersection in Bedminster Township, created by the moving of the highway a quarter mile west 70 years ago, is continuing to get special attention, in response to increased traffic volume there.
A request for proposals from consulting traffic engineers has borne fruit, with one of the proposals scheduled for discussion at the March 10 public board of supervisors work session, which will include the township engineer.
The update was provided at the Feb. 12 public board of supervisors monthly general business meeting. Across from the Oaks Family Restaurant in Bedminster Township, off busy, 55-mph Route 611, Scott Road runs parallel to the highway and Quarry Road perpendicular, making turns to and from the highway too much of an adventure. For example, turns from northbound Scott must first block Quarry, and turns from northbound 611 onto southbound Scott must perform a hairpin maneuver.
Supervisors have already weeded out a remedy that calls for condemning one or more properties. They had voted last July to authorize a request for proposals (RFP’s) from traffic engineers to “reduce traffic conflict and potential accidents.” With Route 611 a state road, PennDOT requirements are expected to likely apply to any proposed remedy.
Also at the Feb. 12 meeting, supervisors approved the purchase of two more conservation easements, totaling almost 140 acres, in their latest move to help preserve farmland and open space. The township will pay $232,080 for a 77.36-acre property on Kellers Church Road, which was noted as providing an especially pleasant viewshed behind the township meeting and police building on Bedminster Road, and also noted as continuing to be farmed.
The county and state will each add an additional $464,160 contribution to the cost. For a 62.43-acre property on Edge Hill Road, the township will pay $124,860, and the state and county $374,580 each. Both sales were scheduled for closing on Feb. 21.
