A new speed limit sign? Well yes...and no...and yes
What appears to be a newly placed speed limit sign near the intersection of 2nd & Chestnut is really only a sign for sale at Tollbooth Antiques. We're told the cost of the solar-powered unit is $200.
However, Columbia Borough Council recently approved a nearly $16,000 purchase of traffic control equipment similar to what is shown below.
The equipment will be used in traffic control and traffic studies in the borough. Here are the invoices for the two units:
The equipment purchase was discussed at the July 19, 2017 Safety Committee meeting. The relevant minutes are shown here:
However, Columbia Borough Council recently approved a nearly $16,000 purchase of traffic control equipment similar to what is shown below.
The equipment will be used in traffic control and traffic studies in the borough. Here are the invoices for the two units:
Speed/Alert (Radar) Message Boards.
At the June 14, 2017 PSC meeting Chief Brommer noted that he had just secured two quotes for committee review, to support and forward to the proper committee (Finance) to consider the purchase of two units to help with traffic control and necessary current and upcoming traffic studies for the borough. Chair Novak noted that he would secure the emailed quotes and forward to the PSC review for discussion at the July 12, 2017 PSC meeting. It was noted that the two Borough owned devises were antiquated and that the battery packs were non-functional.
During the discussion of the PSC meeting on July 12, Chief Brommer noted that the existing” Boards” do not have the capabilities that the quoted units do because of the advanced technology in today’s units. Chief Brommer also noted that he had received an estimate for repair of the battery packs on the Borough’s existing units. Estimated repair was approx. $500.00 ($250.00 per unit). Chief Brommer also noted that the new technology has the capability to provide more and quicker data for improved traffic controls and improved traffic study data.
Citizen Doutrich questioned if the new units were capable of registering and displaying vehicle speed. Chief Brommer noted that the new unit had that capability, and so much more, enhanced with “blue-tooth”.
The two units in discussion were available through “All Traffic Solutions Inc.”:
Unit one – Speed/Alert 18 Radar Message Sign, Base Unit w/ mounting bracket, power kit and accessories - $5,868 Quote # Q-28418.
Unit two - Speed/Alert 18 RMS base unit w/ mounting bracket, Trailer and required accessories - $9,918.
Quote # q-28419
It was noted that the benefit to the Borough would justify the cost.
The purchase was subsequently approved by council at its August 14 meeting.
Comments
If the "big joke" you speak of is the sign facing traffic traveling toward the bridge, first, the sign is property of the antique shop and second, the sign should not be placed where it is as the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code prohibits the placements of signs and/or lights that confuse drivers or emulate an official traffic control device.