• Type of Problem (deer removal, pothole, sign problem, etc..)
• Location of the problem (including road name or route number, city or township, county, and any landmarks in the area)

For problems on local roads, residents are reminded to contact the borough, city or township the road is located in.

“Existing traffic signals at the Main and Second Street, as well as the Main and Water Street Crossings; were replaced with a Department of Transportaqtion Grant Project in 2009.  As a part of the new traffic signal design, the existing railrod preemption was maintained.  The cable from the railroad was re-installed in the new traffic signal cabinet.  Work on the CSX railroad tracks was not part of the project.

Signal operation in regards to railroad preemption did not change with this project; however, blank out signs were installed at each intersection to prevent vehicles from traveleing towards the railroad crossing when a train is present.  The signs are not visible during normal operation.  Upon activation by an approaching train, the blank out signs (NO LEFT TURN, NO RIGHT TURN, DO NOT ENTER) are illuminate during the railroad preemption phases and they remain illuminated until the train clears the crossing.  After the initial railroad clearance phase, the traffice signal operates normally, except vehicles are prohibited from traveling on SR 0136 toward the railroad tracks.

Installation of blank out signs at traffice signals with railroad preemption is based on Federal and State regulations, engineering judgment and industry standards.  The prevent vehicle queues back to the traffic signals and minimize conflict between approaching vehicles and the railroad crossing.  DRIVERS MUST OBEY THE INSTRUCTIONS ON THESE SIGNS LIKE ALL OFFICIAL TRAFFICE CONTROL DEVICES.

Department Publication 149, Traffic Signal Design Handbook, Chapter 14 dated October, 14, 2010 states, “After the track clearance phase, the highway intersection traffic control signals should e operated to permit vehicle movements that DO NOT CROSS THE TRACKS…”

In addition, the Federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 2003 Edition, Section 8B.06, states, “At a signalized intersection that is located within 60 m (200ft) of a highway-rail grade crossing, measured from the edge of the track to the edge of the roadway, where the intersection traffic control signals are preempted by the approach of a train, ALL EXISTING TURNING MOVEMENTS TOWARD THE HIGHWAY-RAIL GRADE CORSSING SHOULD BE PROHIBITED DURING THE SIGNAL PREEMPTION SEQUENCES”.  “A blank out or changeable message sign and/or appropriate highway traffic signal indication or other similar type sign may be used to prohibit turning movements toward the highway-rail grade crossing during preemption.”  “Turn prohibition signs that are associated with preemption shall be visible only when the highway-rail grade crossing restriction is in effect.”

The above mentioned Federal and State regulations may be viewed online at: http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/ and http://www.dot.state.pa.us/ respectively.

The information was forwarded by Ronal J. Clark, P.E, Assistant District Executive-Maintenance Engineering District 12-0.

Additionally I have included links below which discuss the new blight laws that just went into effect:

New Pennsylvania Blight Laws Announced by Erica Ramus

Neighborhood Blight Reclamation and Revitalization Act – Act 90 of 2010 – New Law Expands Enforcement Powers for Pennsylvania Municipalities by Kimberly P. Venzie

When:  Sunday, October 2, 2011

Where:  501 Vine Street (Park), West Newton, PA  15089

Time:  Registration will begin at 11:00 AM till 1:00 PM.

Cruize Time:  Noon – 4:00

Ample space in Vine Street Park, 4th, 5th and Vine Street.

Judging will be at 3:45 sharp!  People’s choice, one vote per person will be strictly enforced.  Fifteen trophies will be awarded in people choice categories for all entrants.

Admission for cruizers:  $5.00 entrance fee

First 50 registrations will receive a dash plack.

Music by Glenn Raymer and Frankie Day from 770 KFB Radio.  Spinning sounds from the 50′s and 60′s.

Delicious Food, Soft Drinks and Home baked goodies will be available for purchase.

Auction Items, Prizes, and 50/50 available.

All proceeds will be divided to provide a Flat Screen TV for the Senior Citizens Center and roofing materials for the Little House for Girl Scouts.

Hosted by:  Mayor Mary Popovich.

Rain or Shine, the event will proceed.  In the event of rain, activities of fun, music and food will be moved inside the gymnasium.

More information: Email mary@mayorpopovichwn.org or phone 724.872.3537.

For this service, you must call the West Newton Borough Office at:  724.872.6860 or visit the office located on 112 s. Water Street between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM M-F to make a reservation. 

All tree or bush branches must be no larger than (4 inches in diameter and no longer than 12 feet).  The items must be placed with the cut side toward the curb.

The pick-up dates are:

April 4, 11, 18, and 25th. 

West Newton Borough Council passed a new Flood Plain Ordinance (2011-1), which will go into effect March 15, 2011.  Copies of the ordinance may be obtained at the West Newton Borough Building, located at 112 S. Water Street, West Newton, PA during the hours of 8:00-AM to 4:00 PM, M-F or by calling: 724.872.6860.  The ordinance is also located on this website under Ordinances for you to print at no charge.  Preliminary Flood Plain Maps that were prepared by FEMA are available to view at the West Newton Borough Office as well.  You may also access Flood Map Information on line at:  http://msc.fema.gov you will need to input your complete address.  If you have any questions concerning flood insurance coverage, you may call:  1.800.427.4661 or visit: http://www.floodmart.gov

Remember:  I will be posting any new ordinances or any ordinances requested to be posted for the public’s convenience.  Thanks, Mayor Popovich

Begins:  April 26, 2011 6:30-10:30 PM

Thursday, April 28, 2011-6:30-10:30 PM

Saturday, April 30, 2011 8:00 AM-4:30 PM

Must attend all sessions.

Held at West Newton VFW, 117 S. Water Street, West Newton, PA

Students need notebook and pen or pencil.

Instructor:  Kim Houser, PA State Fire Academy Field Instructor

Need to Pre-register by Apr. 21, 2011, class size is limited.

Call: 1-800-262-2103, press 1, provide name, ssan, mailing address, dob, and course code:

11/SG PPRX 3607-70.