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Worries about PennDOT proposal to modify intersection

The project in Middle Smithfield Township has emergency officials worried about traffic and safety problems.

MARSHALLS CREEK, Pa. — Hollow Road in Middle Smithfield Township is a well-traveled road. It's a back way to get to get to Shawnee on Delaware and Delaware Water Gap.

But soon, the intersection will change.

Currently, there are two entrances from Route 209 to Hollow Road, but PennDOT has a plan to eliminate one and realign the other. The plan would create a T-intersection on Route 209, with a right and left turning lane.

"Our EMS has sent letters to PennDOT. The fire department sent letters to PennDOT the same thing, objecting to the project, again because of safety concerns," said Mike Dewier, a Middle Smithfield Township supervisor and public works director. "There are better ways of doing it. They are not going to come out to a light. There is no light proposed, so it's basically once you hit that intersection, it's close your eyes and hit the gas."

PennDOT officials say reducing the number of intersections and adding turning lanes will reduce crashes and conflict points on this stretch of Route 209.

Debbie Kulick, the president of Bushkill Emergency Corps, says this area sees a lot of crashes.

"If you were to look back and see where we have a lot of accidents in the area, it's at the entrance of Regina Farms area because it's just a disaster. People won't be able to make a left, and there are a lot of RVs that are going to come out of there," said Kulick.

Township officials say having a more gradual entrance to Route 209 is much safer than having a T-intersection.

"People come from both ends so they merge into the traffic, even though they have to wait, but they merge into it. It's not like they have to back up. That road will become very backed up, and it'll still be even more dangerous as people try and pull out and get in wherever there is a space," Kulick said.

PennDOT hopes to place a construction contract out for bids in 2025.

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