USC commissioners approve traffic-calming plan for Huntington Drive
Huntington Drive residents have been complaining about speeding vehicles in their neighborhood for years, prompting Upper St. Clair commissioners to vote Feb. 6 to approve the first phase of a traffic-calming plan for the road.
Trans Associates presented results from a Huntington Drive traffic study at the commissioners’ Jan. 30 agenda meeting, which warranted a traffic-calming plan. The first phase calls for two speed humps and warning signage on Huntington between Weston Drive and Johnston Road, and a stop sign and advanced warning signage at the Weston approach to Huntington.
While traffic volume on Huntington did not meet the average daily volume or peak hour traffic volume criteria for traffic calming, it did meet the 85th percentile speed threshold, with traffic averaging 33 mph in both directions. The posted speed limit on Huntington is 25 mph.
Installation of the speed humps will be coordinated with the township’s paving schedule. A year after installation, a follow-up traffic study will be conducted to determine the impact of phase one traffic calming measures. If warranted, additional speed humps could be considered on Huntington.
Prior to casting the only vote opposing the traffic-calming plan, Commissioner Ronald Pardini said the problem on Huntington was a law enforcement problem in that there were not enough officers to enforce a traffic patrol across the township.
“We have speeding throughout the township, not just Huntington,” Pardini said.
The board also approved an amendment to the township’s zoning code to amend provisions for freestanding business identification signage.
The new amendment adds the SB-MU zoning district to the list of zoning districts where freestanding business identification signage is permitted and clarifies provisions for freestanding signage in non-residential zoning districts and planned developments.
Under the new amendment, a freestanding business identification sign with a maximum area of 20 feet or less will be permitted in non-residential zoning districts for individual or multiple businesses, and located no closer than 10 feet to any lot line. The sign must also be a maximum of six feet above the ground. The changes also permit the listing of multiple tenants on one sign.
In other business, the board approved contracts for police vehicles and public works vehicles and equipment.
The cost for the public works vehicles and equipment is $218,143, and is allocated in the township’s 2017 capital projects budgets in an aggregate amount of $341,000. The cost for the police vehicles is $83,021, and is allocated in the township’s capital projects budget in an aggregate amount of $117,000.
The board approved a contract for the library adult non-fiction room renovation for $93,523. The total cost of the project is fully funded in the township’s 2017 capital projects budget, but the township will also receive $25,000 from the Library Endowment Fund and $20,000 from Friends of the Library toward the project, bringing the net cost to the township to $48,523.
Renovations are expected to begin in late May and be completed by the end of June. Staff will be able to obtain requested books for patrons when the room is closed for renovations.