Safety issues arise at busy intersection in Oakmont

Motorists continue to ignore turning restrictions by Riverview High School in Oakmont, and it’s causing student safety concerns, district officials say.

Third Street is right-turn-only onto Hulton Road from 7 to 9 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays.

Motorists cannot make a right onto Third Street from Hulton Road during those times either.

However, Riverview School District Spokesperson Carrie DelRosso said drivers have not been following the guidelines.

“Enforcing our traffic restrictions and maintaining state and local road safety is of utmost priority to both the Oakmont Borough and the Riverview School District,” DelRosso said.

Oakmont Police Chief Michael Ford said his department is aware of the problem and has issued $170 citations to motorists who failed to comply.

“We have turning restrictions in place for the children and crossing guard safety,” he said. “There (are) regular details down there now.”

Those details will continue, he said.

People use Third Street as a cut-through to avoid Allegheny Avenue and Allegheny River Boulevard when traffic backs up by the Hulton Bridge.

There’s been an increase in traffic along Third Street due to a brick replacement project at the intersection of Pennsylvania Avenue and Allegheny River Boulevard near the Oakmont Carnegie Library.

That project is expected to be complete within the next few weeks.