LUZERNE COUNTY, Pa. — It's a sign of change. What started as a Christmas wish from drivers in the Back Mountain, is now helping traffic flow a little smoother in Luzerne County.
"It's the worst, you wait five minutes to turn left here," said Kingston Township native and driver, Justin Finarelli.
Newswatch 16 explained how the light at the intersection of Carverton Road and Route 309 in Trucksville has been a source of frustration for drivers throughout the Back Mountain.
The intersection is top of mind for Kingston Township manager, Fred Rosencrans, too. He took the position of township manager in August.
"That is one of of the hot topics, anytime you're dealing with traffic back ups like that. there is a fire station there, and it's a public safety issue too, we've pointed out," he explained.
The traffic is a problem, only made worse by the Harris Hill Road Closure. It would often act as a detour around the Carverton Road Light.
"I've been a Back Mountain resident my whole life, and it always seems to be an issue at that intersection. But, this has exacerbated this issue I believe," said Rosencrans.
Rosencrans said he began making calls after seeing Newswatch 16's story on the light. He said a traffic study has already been conducted and submitted to PennDOT, and the two, along with the Luzerne County, have long been working to resolve the issue.
PennDOT released a statement to Newswatch 16 stating a left turn green arrow traffic light will be installed at Carverton Road. It is part of a larger highway project.
"I just want to assure all the residents that we are looking at it and it is begin addressed," added Rosencrans.
PennDOT also said in a statement,
"We are aware of issues with the traffic signal controller and are having staff make some timing adjustments to the Carverton Road phase today. This should provide motorists with additional time to make the left."
"We hope to put to put a band-aid on it, from what I understand only three cars are allowed to turn at that green light," said Rosencrans. PennDOT assured me that they're going to send out their own engineer to look at the issue and work with the vendor to redo the timing hopefully. So hopefully that puts a band-aid on it, until we can get that green arrow."
PennDOT hopes to have a definitive timeline for the installation after the winter season and closer to normal construction activities.
Rosencrans also discussed the Harris Hill Road closure with Newswatch 16. He said the project on Harris Hill Road was slated to be done earlier this year but has been delayed due to the ongoing light project and utilities. He says Luzerne County has the bridge scheduled to be replaced, and the road will be reopened sometime in 2024.