The Elizabeth Township commissioners agreed to accept an offer from a housing project developer to install a new traffic signal at the intersection of Route 48 and Rock Run Road.
Pittsburgh-based True Line Corp., the developer of the Brandywine project, conducted a township-required study of the intersection and then offered to pay for the design and installation of the signal -- at a cost of $100,000.
Township engineer William McKeever of Senate Engineering addressed commissioners Monday regarding the project, which could bring about 450 new homes to the community.
"All other intersections were studied and found to be acceptable without and with the development," he said. "As suspected, the level of service on Rock Run Road is poor at Route 48 and will get worse, even without the Brandywine Development."
Commissioners President Joanne Beckowitz said the agreement also provides for cost increases.
"If (the installation) is $100,000 now, it could be $110,000 in three years," she said.
The signal would be installed during the third phase of the seven- to 10-phase project. Besides the traffic signal, the developer also has agreed to provide recreational space, officials said.
McKeever said a turning lane southbound on Route 48 also might be needed in the future.
True Line has requested a written copy of the agreement, McKeever said. Commissioners directed the township solicitor and engineer to prepare an agreement.
