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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Neal P. Goodman
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Goodman: Speed limit lowered on Route 209
HARRISBURG, March 9 – State Rep. Neal Goodman wants to inform residents that the speed limit on Route 209 between Port Carbon and Cumbola has been reduced to 30 mph from 45 mph. New speed limit and yellow reflective signs reminding motorists to use caution were erected Monday.
"I am pleased that PennDOT has lowered the speed limit in this area," said Goodman, D-Schuylkill. "It will help to make this stretch of Route 209 safer."
Goodman worked closely with the state Department of Transportation and Port Carbon Mayor Tom Pavlick and Councilman Andy Palokus to reduce the speed limit and install the signs following a Nov. 27 accident in which a driver crashed into Little Sunshines Day Care Center in Port Carbon. One worker was injured. No children were hurt, but the car landed inside the day care where the children normally take naps. Children were in the building, but not in the area at the time.
Goodman worked to have PennDOT do traffic studies and urged the agency to lower the speed limit and put up additional signs. He facilitated meetings with PennDOT and borough officials at the day care and followed up with phone calls and additional meetings. According to the day-care owner, Monica Rulavage, the changes have already helped.
"I'm pleased and the parents are pleased," Rulavage said. "We are very happy that Representative Goodman and Port Carbon officials were able to help with this matter. I've noticed motorists looking at the signs and slowing down."
Goodman thanked Port Carbon police, who have increased patrols and concentrated on keeping this area safe. He also said Port Carbon plans to install a sign to warn motorists of the Wood Street intersection near the day care where motorists often turn. He said accidents occur when drivers slow or stop to turn off Route 209 and other motorists going too fast swerve to miss them.
"Hopefully, these changes will eliminate accidents on this stretch of road," Goodman said. "Drivers should remember there are children in the area and use extra caution."
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