The Merchants of Skippack Association are asking residents to sign a petition requesting that Skippack Township and PennDOT reduce the speed limit on Rt. 73 in Skippack Village.
The group, made up of local business owners, have cited dangers to shoppers, as a pedestrian was recently struck in the area.
Merchants of Skippack are asking that the speed limit be reduced from 35 mph to 25 mph on Rt. 73 between Rt. 113 and Voit Drive.
"It is the experience of the Merchants of Skippack that the current speed limit of 35 mph is far too high and, in fact, encourages motorists to speed through our neighborhood at rates of 40-50mph, routinely," the petition states.
"Drivers typically speed through the populated business district which includes tourist, local residents, senior citizens, handicapped and disabled individuals, and children of all ages who are trying to cross route 73."
According to PennDOT, the first step in lowering the speed limit on a state-run road, such as Rt. 73, is to petition a local municipality, who then can request an engineering and traffic study to be done by PENNDOT.
According to Skippack Township staff, this concern has been a topic of discussion, but the township has not received a request from the Merchants of Skippack yet.
To date, 150 residents have signed the peition.
If your going to ask for a traffic study in that area, do something about how the lights are timed further down at Bustard Rd, and perhaps consider a left turn arrow east bound. It is because of that light that the traffic backs up in the first place.
Thank you for your help in keeping our beloved village safe for all those who visit. Sincerely, Craig Wolf