Petition launched for traffic light at fatal crash site in Dravosburg

By LIAM BELAN
lbelan@yourmvi.com
In the aftermath of the tragic car accident last Wednesday in Dravosburg that claimed the life of 15-year-old Serra Catholic student Samantha Kalkbrenner, local residents and officials are looking for changes along Richland Avenue where the accident occurred.
Borough Manager Brenda Honick said that they have requested several safety measures to slow down traffic on Richland Avenue and make it safer for drivers to get on and off the main drag.
“We’re working with Allegheny County and PennDOT with the help of Rep. Nick Pisciottano’s office to initiate some safety precautions on (Richland Avenue),” Honick said. “Between Fifth Street and Third Street it’s very dangerous; there’s at least one accident a week there. It’s a shame that this one was a tragedy.
“We’re requesting a traffic study, a signal study, along with jersey barriers or some kind of barriers to divide the roadway so that you cannot make a left turn and it would be a right turn only.”
During the borough’s next council meeting on Oct. 17, Honick said council members are expected to authorize an ordinance to put signs up that force traffic on Fourth and Third streets to turn right and go up the hill rather than attempting to turn left where vehicles often travel at high speeds.

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