Residents, township supervisors asking for traffic light at Eagle Rock entrance
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A vehicle passes the Route 924 entrance to the Eagle Rock Resort in East Union Township on March 5, 2024.
SHEPPTON – After several crashes at the Route 924 entrance into the Eagle Rock Resort gated community, residents and East Union Township are asking PennDOT to consider signalizing the intersection.
Jo Anna Shovlin, a resident of the East Union section of the development, told supervisors of a crash that resulted in a car landing in the pond outside the main building.
She said a vehicle was speeding northbound out of the s-curve west of the entrance and swerved to avoid a car turning left into the development.
“Our safety is important,” Shovlin said, speaking on behalf of Eagle Rock residents. She noted that the development is the second-highest area of tax revenue in the township behind the Humboldt Industrial Park. “As an Eagle Rock resident, I get no service from the township. I have no problems with that.”
She said the only service they receive is fire and medical, and noted that the resort makes an effort to give back to the fire companies.
“We value our safety,” Shovlin said. “We deserve to pull out of Eagle Rock and not worry about getting hit.”
Shovlin told supervisors that her husband was struck by a speeding vehicle at that intersection as well.
“We’re not asking for anything that we’re not deserving,” Shovlin said, applauding the supervisors for considering sending a letter to PennDOT and the state.
She said that at some times of the day, driving in that area is taking “your life in your hands,” and she hopes a traffic light would be a deterrent for speeding and make the intersection safety.
The area there is a 55mph zone beginning at the Luzerne/Schuylkill line until Sheppton.
Township supervisors unanimously approved sending a letter to Rep. Dane Watro (R-116) asking for a traffic study, which is a prerequisite to the installation of a traffic light or other significant traffic pattern change.
In the draft letter, Supervisors Chairman Kyle Mummey writes that “traffic is becoming a hazard to residents from Eagle Rock pulling onto Route 924.”
“When vehicles come around the S-turn, they travel at high rates of speed which result in numerous accidents,” Mummey wrote, emphasizing that 1,000 residents live in Eagle Rock and deserve a safe entrance. He added that the light would slow trucks on Route 924.
At the suggestion of residents, supervisors agreed to amend the letter to also ask for a study to consider restricting the use of engine brakes on trucks entering Sheppton from the north and to study a change to the 55mph speed limit there.
In other business, supervisors considered upgrading their camera/security system.
They also discussed purchasing an additional police vehicle to replace the department’s aging Ford Expedition. Sergeant Christopher Dimmick told supervisors that the SUV is in rough shape. Supervisors approved a motion to evaluate the vehicle and put it out for bids to help fund a new vehicle.
Supervisors also approved adding GPS monitors to township vehicles, which they said would improve safety, should a vehicle be stolen.
They also discussed purchasing electronic speed signs. One is on loan to the township, but it is inoperable. The township said that drivers have slowed down upon seeing it posted at Elm and Center Streets in Sheppton anyway.
Mummey also provided an update on millings from a road project on Girard Manor Road. He said the millings were supposed to be given to the township and were given to a private individual who would not return them, and the matter has been referred to police.
Supervisors also approved bylaws by a 2-0 vote. Supervisor Jill Careyva abstained.
A project to construct a park recognizing the Sheppton Mine Disaster in the village is also being revived, as supervisors approved a motion to apply for grants for the project.
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