Letters: Santarsiero dedicated to Scudder Falls Bridge project

State Rep. Steve Santarsiero has been effective and pro-active in his approach to the Scudder Falls Bridge Improvement Project which is needed to accommodate current and future traffic levels. His passion for keeping our communities as desirable as possible is demonstrated by his actions:

In March 2008, when he was a Lower Makefield Township Supervisor, Mr. Santarsiero was instrumental in the passage of “Resolution No. 2159: A Resolution in support of the construction of a bicycle and pedestrian pathway on the Scudder Falls Bridge and installation of sound barriers along I-95 bordering residential properties.”

In May 2008, Supervisor Santarsiero initiated a meeting with members of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) to discuss the need to extend sound barriers along I-95 in Lower Makefield Township. Thanks to his persistence, the Commission agreed to protect most of Lower Makefield’s neighborhoods with sound barriers, however, he remained concerned about areas not being covered. The details of this meeting are outlined in a July 8, 2008 letter from the Lower Makefield Township Manager to the Executive Director of the DRJTBC.

In January 2010, State Rep. Santarsiero presented oral testimony to the DRJTBC at the public hearing held at the Sheraton Hotel in Falls Township and asked that the Scudder Falls Bridge issue be placed on the agenda of the Commission’s February meeting. He also presented written testimony (two letters dated Jan. 20, 2010). His testimony covered three topics:

Tolling of the bridge

Santarsiero stated, “I understand the Commission has decided to toll the Scudder Falls Bridge crossing at some date in the future. On behalf of the residents in the Newtown-Yardley area, many of whom regularly travel the Scudder Falls Bridge, I write to urge the Commission to reconsider that decision and, at the very least, to perform a full impact study before a final decision on the subject is made. An impact study is necessary to assess fully how any proposed tolling of the crossing will affect the area. In particular, an impact study should include…The impact on other Delaware river crossings…”

Sound barriers

Santarsiero stated, “In a letter dated July 1, 2008, LMT manager Terry Fedorchak wrote to the DRJTBC at my request and that of my colleagues on the LMT Board of Supervisors. In that letter, LMT requested that, as part of the Scudder Falls Bridge Improvement Project, the Commission expand planned barriers to delineated gaps…places where a lack of barrier coverage would have an adverse impact on adjacent neighborhoods.”

Storm water management

Santarsiero requested a plan for addressing the increased storm water runoff that will be created with the addition of about 20 acres of new impervious surface from the roadway expansion and the impact that will have on surrounding land in Lower Makefield Township and Yardley Borough.

Santarsiero attended the February 2010 meeting of the DRJTBC and urged the DRJTBC to address issues of no tolls, sound barriers and storm water management. Santarsiero has taken the correct actions to minimize the negative impact of this project. In addition, he has demonstrated that he embraces the concept of “complete streets,” which is public policy for new highway and bridge projects being planned – they are designed to accommodate all users. Pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities must be able to safely move along and across a “complete street”. A bicycle pedestrian pathway on the bridge will improve access to the Delaware River Canal Towpath and foster more biking and walking.

Sue Herman, president, Residents for Regional Traffic Solutions, Inc., Newtown