New traffic light installed near site of deadly Dravosburg school van crash
DRAVOSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- Traffic is starting to slow down after crews installed a new light at Richland and Fifth in Dravosburg, nearly eight months after the tragic death of a Serra Catholic student.
It was a moment to witness for State Senator Jim Brewster (D), District 45.
"It's something that should have been done a long time ago," Brewster said. "I've been coming up and down this road for 60 years, and it's always been fast, and just walking up the sidewalk and to see people actually slow down is special."
A new traffic light has been installed in Dravosburg near the site of a deadly school van crash last year.
The light at the intersection of Richland Avenue and Fifth Street is being inspected this morning and will be operational ahead of schedule.
"This new signal will make a busy intersection much safer for both pedestrians and drivers," said Rep. Nick Pisciottano. "Implementing traffic infrastructure is often a very slow process; there's a lot of red tape to get through. I'm pleased with how quickly we were able to make this happen thanks to coordination between the Turnpike Commission, PennDOT, Allegheny County, Dravosburg Borough, and other local leaders. It speaks volumes about our community's ability to solve problems when we work together."
The PA Turnpike Commission says that the light will be in test mode for the first 30 days once it is operational, but says it will be fully functional during that time frame.
Unfortunately, what sped up the change, was a tragedy on this road.
On Sept. 20, a Serra Catholic High School van was hit by another driver while trying to turn onto Richland Avenue from Third Street. Fifteen-year-old student Samantha Kalkbrenner was killed in the crash.
In the wake of the crash, there have been several safety changes including the new traffic light, barriers to prevent turns, and installing radar to monitor speed.
Steven Hrvoich is a construction engineering manager with the PA Turnpike Commission. He said they currently put up temporary wooden poles that will become permanent as a part of the Mon/Fayette expressway project.
"It feels good to be able to be a part of the solution," Hrvoich said.
Crews conducted the final inspections Thursday morning, and now the light will be in test mode for 30 days.
"Even this morning as we're turning the signal on, you know, cars are you know, unclear on what to do, you know, slamming the brakes on coming down the hill, and it's pretty apparent that a signal was warranted here," Hrvoich said.
Eventually, drivers will figure out the new traffic flow, as a community struck by tragedy continues to recover.
"We're hopeful that this makes this stretch of road much safer, so it prevents any future collisions or, God forbid any more tragedies," Pisciottano said.
The permanent light should be installed in about two years.
Suspects in the crash awaiting trial
William Soliday II and Andrew Voigt are awaiting trial for the charges filed in connection with the deadly crash.
Soliday was driving the car that hit the Serra Catholic van and he faces multiple charges, including third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and homicide by vehicle.
A judge dismissed the most serious felony charge against Voigt, the man accused of racing with Soliday. He still faces several misdemeanor charges.
Soliday remains in the Allegheny County Jail after a judge denied his bail saying he believes that Soliday is too much of a danger to himself and others to be freed from jail.