Letter to the Editor:

The Route 41 Improvement Project appears to be a tale about how easy it is to spend other people’s money. KCI Technologies, Inc., in collaboration with Pinto Engineering, Inc. issued a Congestion Management System Analysis dated May 10, 1996, regarding PA 41. The same issues being faced today were noted at that time. The analysis indicates, on page one, that since at least the 1970s: “public concerns regarding safety and congestion along PA 41 have been expressed to local officials and state representatives.” On page three of the analysis, it is noted that: “heavy truck traffic contributes to the deficient capacity of PA 41, especially through Avondale Borough.” Multiple infrastructure deficiencies all along the PA 41 study corridor were noted, including: geometric deficiencies, uncontrolled access to multiple properties, and the deficient interchange at PA 41 and Limestone Road. On page 16 of the analysis, it is noted: “Additional travel lanes are needed on the entire length of the PA 41 Transportation Improvement Study Corridor. Also, several of the intersections can be improved by adding left turn lanes or a traffic signal.” 

Though some Safety and Mobility Initiative (SAMI) projects were provided along PA 41 since the analysis by KCI Technologies in 1996, Route 41 basically remains a dangerous and outdated highway. Tens of millions of dollars of taxpayer money were spent on the Improvement Project effort at the turn-of-the-century, to no avail. The introduction of traffic circles (roundabouts) into the discussion seemed to divert the improvement effort from a public project to a limited concept that might be best utilized on rural roads. Much of Route 41 is now suburban Wilmington/New Castle County. Traffic circles do not appear a wise choice, especially considering the insights of the professional analysis from 1996. It appeared to me that what was missing with the failed, prior PA 41 Improvement Project was leadership from PennDOT and elected officials.  As noted on page five of the KCI analysis: “In general, the consensus of the public is that improvements to PA 41 are long overdue.” The pieces seem to be coming together again to provide Southern Chester County with the PA 41 roadway it deserves. Hopefully PennDOT and our elected officials are up to the task this time. 

Jim DiLuzio, 
Former resident of New Garden Township