The next time flash flooding swamps Bristol, the newly installed electronic safety gates on Green Lane will, more than likely, be put into play.
The new gates were the idea of former Mayor Ralph DiGuiseppe III after Bristol Borough Fire Association firefighters extricated a vehicle caught in several feet of standing water at the Green Lane underpass.
“I think it’s imperative we take additional action in terms of stopping the traffic …and consider some manual arms that can be stored on either side of Green Lane on both sides of the rail pass that we can quickly close,” DiGuiseppe III said at the August 2024 Council meeting.
Credit: Bristol Borough Fire Police
It’s not the first time Bristol first responders saved vehicle occupants stuck at the flooded underpass, but hopefully it will be the last with the installation of the electronic gates that cost a total of $40,000, with Bristol Township paying for half the cost since they are responsible for one side of the state-owned road.
The gates are part of a temporary fix to the long-term flooding and storm water drainage issue on Green Lane, Bristol officials have said.
The two gates installed as of late last week are positioned on the outbound side of Green Lane, at least 25 yards from the underpass mouth.
Both municipalities recently applied for federal infrastructure grants to essentially rip out and replace the almost 100-year-old storm water system on Green Lane.
Borough Engineer Amanda Fuller of Gilmore & Associates, has said storm water lines on both sides of Green Lane are severely deteriorated and the pipe that is supposed to carry stormwater out to the Delaware River is obstructed by tree roots and other debris and recommended a full replacement of the drainage system.
The value of the safety gate installation can be seen in one concrete way: Bristol first responders’ resources during flooding can now be directed to other emergent situations in the municipality.
“We (Bristol officials) think the gates will ultimately save lives,” east ward Councilman Greg Pezza said.
Electronic Safety Gate on Green Lane heading towards Rt 13
Credit: Jeff Bohen Lower Bucks Source