New traffic separator being installed in Dravosburg near site of deadly school van crash
DRAVOSBURG, Pa. (KDKA) -- It's been 100 days since a Serra Catholic High School student was killed in a violent crash on her way to school and Friday, another step will be taken to help prevent another tragedy from happening along that roadway.
Crews are installing a new traffic separator along Richland Avenue in Dravosburg as a way to keep traffic in line.
"It's meant to give like a visual cue to folks, like, 'Hey, I can't make a turn movement here,'" said Jason Molinero, the deputy director of engineering.
In September, 15-year-old Samantha Kalkbrenner was killed when the school van she was riding in was hit by another vehicle near the intersection with Third Street. She died at the scene.
Numerous other students were injured and both drivers were taken to the hospital.
These days, Amy Kovka can't help but think about that September morning outside the Dravosburg Mini Mart.
"I feel so bad for the family spending Christmas without their daughter," Kovka said.
She's the manager at the convenience store and was there when Kalkbrenner's life was cut short. She still watches drivers continue to fly down Richland Avenue by Third Street.
"Where are we speeding to? Life's too short, slow down," Kovka said.
Since then, the community has made countless calls for change and lawmakers at the local, county and state levels have taken steps to slow drivers down.
Allegheny County installed "no left turn" and "all traffic must turn right" signs at Third and Fourth streets, as well as Beech Alley.
The county also painted "slow" pavement markings on Richland Avenue north of the Mansfield Bridge and before the road's intersection with Third Street. There is also a "speed limit 40" sign facing southbound traffic.
"If there's anything to be said, the good that's come out, it is just cooperation between folks trying to make this better for years to come," Molinero said. "If it helps in any way in preventing future accidents out here, then it's obviously worth it."
They're steps that mean to the world to a community struck by tragedy, and brought out Kalkbrenner's friends bright and early to see it in person.
District 45 state Sen. Jim Brewster has played a role in making the area safer for the neighborhood.
"A real tribute to everybody, and a tribute to the family, they deserve that," Brewster said.
It's a holiday gift for a borough in need of some positivity.
"Maybe it will save another child or another, anybody from being killed again on this road," Kovka said. "I hope that this works out."
Crews also plan to install a new traffic light at Fifth and Richland. Brewster said they're expecting that to happen in April or May.
William Soliday, the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the school van, was set to face a judge Friday, but his preliminary hearing has been continued.
Police say Soliday was racing alongside Andrew Voigt when he crashed into the Serra Catholic van. Data from the Volkswagen showed Soliday was driving more than 100 mph leading up to the crash.
Soliday faces charges including third-degree murder in Kalkbrenner's death.
Earlier this week, he asked to be released on bond to recover from injuries he suffered during the crash, but that request was denied.
Soliday and Voigt are expected to appear before a judge later next month.
