Residents want street light at Route 15, Gundy Lane

LEWISBURG — A group of East Buffalo Township residents want Gundy Lane illuminated so they can better see oncoming traffic along Route 15 in poor visibility conditions, but the supervisors say they can make simpler improvements without installing a street light.

Suzanne Murdza, of 289 Gundy Lane, led a group of four neighbors Monday night in asking the township to install a street light similar to the one on Beagle Club Road. The residents say their intersection is an accident waiting to happen.

“It’s very dangerous, especially at night and during bad weather,” Murdza said. “It’s tough to see the oncoming traffic (on Route 15), especially when they’re going 70 mph. Why do we have to wait until there is an accident or a death?”

Lawson Fetterman, supervisor chairman, said many intersections along Route 15 could be improved by street lights, but there are cheaper ways to improve visibility, such as large reflectors that reflect the headlights of oncoming vehicles.

“There are a variety of intersections along Route 15, and a lot of them are dangerous by my standards,” Fetterman said. “Typically when we (install lights) at intersections, which is a rarity, it has been done because there have been some bad accidents.”

Fetterman said the township has installed street lights along Fairview Road, Hardscabble Lane and Beagle Club Road in recent years.

The supervisors suggested a street light may be better served at Supple Mill Road, which intersects Route 15 with Oak Drive, as opposed to Gundy Lane’s isolated T-intersection.

“If it’s a light issue, I’m thinking it should go where it’s better served at a four-way intersection,” Fetterman said. “That’s a better access than Gundy Lane, which more people should be using anyway.”

Fetterman said there also is concern for neighbors who may be negatively affected by a street light shining in bedrooms and illuminating the sky, causing problems for people who are avid stargazers.

“There is a lot that goes into putting up lights,” Fetterman said. “I’m sympathetic with intersections along Route 15 and how people can see (traffic) at night. My request would be to give us an opportunity to (upgrade) the road sign and put some large reflectors in there to see how that works.”

Fetterman added, “If you’re still unhappy, then come back and see us.”

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