BOSCOLA CALLS FOR GREATER SAFETY,
ENFORCEMENT ON I-78
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BETHLEHEM (Jan 24) – Senator Lisa M. Boscola today pledged to work with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Pennsylvania State Police to make I-78 a safer thoroughfare for motorists and commuters in the Lehigh Valley. Her involvement comes after a rash of fatalities, accidents and dangerous motor vehicle incidents along the I-78 corridor in recent weeks. “We need to take a hard look at enhancing the existing safety infrastructure on this portion of I-78,” Boscola said. “Two tragic deaths occurred during the holiday season on I-78. Now is the time for local officials, the State Police and PennDOT to work together in a concerted effort to make much-needed improvements and prevent any more fatalities.” Boscola has already recommended to PennDOT officials that high-tension cable barrier system technologies, which have been approved by the Federal Highway Administration, may be one solution to prevent crossover accidents and fatalities. Cable barrier systems could prove to restrict the crossover of vehicles along highways such as I-78 and prevent the type of fatal accidents that have occurred four times since 1999 along the I-78 corridor in Northampton County, she said. Boscola has also called on the State Police to publicly resurrect the Interstate 78 Coalition. In 1999, the State Police were active in promoting the Interstate 78 Coalition that initiated greater motor safety procedures and polices on this major highway artery that runs through the Lehigh Valley. “Safety and enforcement must be a priority on this highway,” Boscola said. “Through a collaborative effort, hopefully we can prevent the types of accidents that have become all too common along I-78.” ### (CLICK for letters from Senator Boscola to PennDOT and the State Police on this matter.) |