A Call to Action:

The intersection at Route 23 and Route 82 in Elverson is one of the borough’s most dangerous, with limited sight lines, tight turning space, downhill approaches, and repeated crashes and near-misses. Residents, borough officials, and state representatives agree that the most immediate and practical fix is lowering the speed limit from 35 mph to 25 mph. Past PennDOT studies focused on Route 82, not the 23/82 intersection itself, and the 85th-percentile standard used in those studies doesn’t reflect the real risks experienced daily by drivers and pedestrians. Research consistently shows that even a 5–10 mph reduction significantly improves reaction times and reduces crash severity, and PennDOT has the authority to lower limits when visibility and turning conditions warrant it — conditions clearly present here. A stoplight or four-way stop isn’t feasible due to cost, visibility concerns, noise/light impact on nearby homes, and the need to keep emergency vehicles moving smoothly through town. A speed reduction, however, improves safety without creating new problems. A resident-led committee, along with borough officials, is gathering crash data, measuring sight distances, and collecting firsthand accounts to demonstrate the urgent need for action. We are asking PennDOT and our elected leaders to conduct a focused review of this intersection and implement a 25 mph speed limit as the first step toward lasting safety improvements. Please sign and share this petition, and add your experiences or photos to help prevent the next serious accident before it happens. Thank you for your attention and help on this matter!