August 17, 2000

State Slates Funding for Edgehill Road Project, Says Bard
Transportation Commission includes project
in first two phases of 12 Year Plan

HARRISBURG—Less than a year alter Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard (R153) delivered compelling testimony to its members, the State Transportation Commission has voted to include the Edgehill Road Project to upgrade storm water management.

The commission will include the final design and engineering phases of the project in the first four years of the plan. Each phase costs approximately $300,000. The right-of-way acquisition ($300,000) and the construction ($2 million) phases are now slated for the second four years of the plan, but they could be moved up earlier pending the completion of the engineering and final design.

The project is located in Abington Township, Montgomery County. It spans Edgehill Road from Jenkintown Road to Old Welsh Road, as well as Tyson Avenue from Edgehill Road to Edgehill Road

The need to advance the project has been discussed with Department of Transportation (PennDOT) officials for over 25 years, according to Bard. Flooding in 1996 Claimed two lives near the Sandy Run Creek and caused over $l million in damages to Roslyn Elementary School.

Over the years, particularly in summer and fall, storm water runoff causes flooding, erosion and property damage to neighboring properties. These flows also typically cross Hillside Cemetery and converge on the Roslyn Elementary school, endangering children as well as school buildings. The road surface itself is also a problem in that the aged construction materials do not hold up under harsh winter conditions.

“Runoff from Edgehill Road and Tyson Avenue has threatened life and property for years.  I am extremely thankful that this very important project gained approval and is now included in the state 12 year Transportation Improvement Plan. Abington Township Commissioner Dennis Zappone, along with county administrators and officials of the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, provided important support for the project. I am pleased that the township has agreed to partner the engineering phases of the project This is a big step forward for securing the safety of the township from flooding and storm damage.”