Updated: Tuesday September 9, 4:30 p.m.
A stop-gap measure to prevent motorists from driving into the Green Lane underpass when it floods was approved by Bristol Borough at Monday night’s Council meeting.
According to borough documents a motion to approve the installation of barrier gates and emergency lighting for the underpass is on the meeting agenda at a cost of just over $31,000.00.
Borough engineers said when barrier gates were originally priced it came at the just over $31,000.00 number however since some time has passed since that quoted price council approved a request, due equipment prices increases to fund the project at cost of now $40,000.00. Officials said its likely the installation if of the barrier and lights will not happen until March.
Borough Manager Jim Dillon said Bristol Township has offered to pay half ($20,000.00) for the project to be completed.
The barrier gates idea was first introduced to Council by Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III about two years ago. The mayor at the time voiced safety concerns for out of towners who unlike Bristolians would be unaware of the flooded underpass.
Meanwhile borough engineers have said the stormwater drainage system underneath the state-owned road needs to be replaced. Discussions with PennDOT officials, who say it is Bristol’s responsibility to maintain and fix the state-owned road, are ongoing with support from Bristol Township and elected state officials. There is also a Green Lane flooding study underway, say officials.
During periods of heavy rain the underpass floods so heavily the Bristol Borough Fire Companies in recent years have rescued motorists stuck in the flooded underpass.
Credit: Bristol Borough Fire Police