A Forward Township road was expected to reopen Wednesday morning, nearly a month after it was shut down because motorists started ignoring a traffic signal that was placed there following a landslide.
Bunola River Road was outfitted with a permanent traffic signal system after discussions with state legislators, community leaders and local police, according to PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan.
Motorists will wait at a red light for no longer than 60 seconds, he said. If drivers disregard the signal, officials will close the road again in the interest of safety.
The road closed Jan. 24 between Pangburn Hollow Road and Third Avenue because of the landslide.
A temporary traffic signal was placed there in early December to monitor motorists, but a number of drivers didn’t adhere to the light, increasing the risk for crashes, according to PennDOT officials.
Bunola River Road runs along the Monongahela River south of Elizabeth, eventually connecting with Routes 136 and 906, which lead into Webster and Rostraver in Westmoreland County.
PennDOT will install more signage and other devices to make the work zone and traffic patterns more clear to motorists.
