By SARIT LASCHINSKY

Special to The Press

During the Sept. 13, North Whitehall supervisors’ meeting, Township Manager Chris Garges said improving the intersection of Routes 329 and 873 and Neffs Laurys Road was discussed at a previous board meeting, during which the township was asked to contact PennDOT.

He said PennDOT’s proposal, known as “Option C,” included additional asphalt striping and signage to try and ameliorate dangerous traffic conditions and funnel traffic toward one point, but included no physical barriers.

Alternatively, another option would be to make Neffs Laurys Road one-way and divert eastbound traffic onto another street.

Garges said the township reached out to the fire companies and EMS representatives for comment.

According to Garges the Northern Valley EMS representative said the ambulance corps has issues navigating this particular intersection and wants to see improvements made.

Representatives from Schnecksville and Neffs fire companies were not in favor of the one-way traffic option, and preferred Option C.

Furthermore, Garges said the representatives said placing a roundabout in the intersection was the best long-term solution.

“But, that wasn’t on the table right now,” he said.

Additionally, Garges said PennDOT had reached out and said it would have enough funds to complete the Option C proposal, if the township desired.

Supervisors made a motion to go along with Option C to improve the intersection.

“[It is] better than no plan at all,” Supervisor Mark Hills said.

During public comment on the subject, Planning Commission Chairman Brian Horwith said he agreed with Hills that Option C was “better than nothing.

“But that’s not such a hot take,” Horwith said. “People are going to drive over paint and stripes.”