Many of us have children that attend Overlook Elementary and who walk to/from school each day.  I am asking Abington Township and PennDot to extend the school zone and provide a crosswalk at Acorn Lane, so children from this block can walk more safely - and we can continue to encourage this healthy habit with our kids.  

At this time, there is a blinking overhead light that warns drivers going on Edge Hill toward the school, of people potentially crossing the street, just before the intersection with Acorn Lane. However, the school zone doesn't start until just past Silver Lane.

I have asked the Township and PennDot to consider the following:

• The school zone officially start and end where the blinking light is located on Edge Hill - or even a bit farther up going toward the second Acorn Lane intersection.  This would slow cars earlier going towards the school and keep them going slow for a longer period once they pass the school. 
• A crosswalk be painted at the intersection with Acorn and Edge Hill, with additional crossing signage. There is a crosswalk with Edge Hill and Silver Ave, however, there is no shoulder on Edge Hill between Silver and Acorn on the NE bound traffic side, so the crosswalk at that location serves little purpose.
• Determine if a crossing guard is feasible. 

Immediately following my request to the Township, an Abington Police officer was dispatched to my house to discuss my thoughts and ideas.  Once we were done, he proceeded to the intersection to review the situation.  It is not as straightforward as we may hope, but he was going to put together a request for PennDot.

Here are the challenges:

• Edge Hill is a state road so all changes have to be approved by PennDot.  They are incredibly far behind due to COVID and staffing shortages.
• Funding would have to come from the Township IF PennDot approves it.  Moving the blinking sign means installing new electric and footings and lots of things I don't know the details of, but of course, costs money and may not be a priority of the Commissioner.
• Because there are no sidewalks, and it has to be ADA compliant, it adds to the challenge.  And apparently, people don't want sidewalks because then they are responsible for the maintenance.
• There is a staff shortage of crossing guards right now!

All that said, I think it's worth the ask.  If you don't ask, your answer will always be no!  And, at the end of the day, the change in school zone and the crosswalk are both fairly inexpensive options, but could make a difference!  I know my son would LOVE to walk to/from school without his mom tagging along, and these safety measures sure would make me feel better!

Thanks for your support!