BE Twp. continues storm clean up; residents concerned with road safety
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MILL HALL -- Bald Eagle Township continues to deal with the aftermath of the storms that hit the area earlier this month, with residents pressing supervisors Monday over damaged roads, drainage problems and what they described as dangerous conditions along Bald Eagle Mountain Road.
Several residents told supervisors at the Sept. 21 meeting that flooding has worsened existing drainage and roadway problems, particularly along Bald Eagle Mountain Road, one of the major road projects completed this year, and surrounding areas.
The concerns included steep drop-offs, inadequate ditches, overwhelmed culverts and water undermining the recently paved roadway.
One resident said the road has become difficult to navigate and warned of the potential for a serious accident.
"If this isn't fixed by the first snowstorm somebody's gonna get killed on that road," one resident said.
Another resident said the road's uneven surface can pull vehicles toward the shoulder.
"At 25 miles an hour, I'm sideways on these spots on this road," the resident said.
Residents also said the roadway has created problems for mail delivery, with some carriers reportedly unable to safely reach mailboxes.
The township has already had its engineer inspect the road, and supervisors said they are reviewing the engineer's report and the original paving contract with Hawbaker, the contractor involved in the project.
Supervisors plan to send the report to Hawbaker and seek a resolution.
"We will send the report to Hawbaker, and we will proceed to try to have a resolution,"
Supervisor Steve Tasselli said.
Officials said the township has a bond associated with the project and that its solicitor previously advised the township regarding payment to the contractor.
The condition of the road became a larger concern after the September flooding, which washed away stone and further damaged shoulders and drainage areas.
Residents questioned whether the roadway had been properly constructed in the first place, noting that some of the current drainage and elevation problems did not exist before the paving project.
Township officials said they would continue investigating the matter to resolve any issues.
The roadway concerns come as township crews continue a large-scale cleanup following the flooding.
Supervisors declared an emergency on Sept. 4 following the storm and said employees, contractors, emergency responders, residents and neighboring municipalities have assisted with cleanup.
"It was just a catastrophe, and we're trying to do the best we can," Taselli said.
The township specifically thanked Muncy Hardwood, Wide Excavating, Masters Excavating, the Edwards family and Mill Hall Borough for assistance.
"We can't say enough to Mill Hall Borough," Taselli said. "They were super. Everybody was on hand and pitched in."
The township has already spent roughly $32,000 on stone, labor and dumpsters, according to invoices presented at the meeting. Additional contractor bills are expected.
Officials estimated the township's total flood-related expenses could approach $100,000.
The township is submitting expenses through the county in hopes of receiving PEMA reimbursement.
Work remains on several roads, including stabilizing berms, clearing ditches and repairing or replacing culverts.
Supervisors said road banks need to be stabilized before crews can tackle some of the drainage work.
The township also plans to pave areas where culvert repairs have already been completed before asphalt plants close for the season.
In other business, supervisors:
-- Approved a road closure for Brews in the Barn on Oct. 17.
-- Appointed Patti Jones to the Zoning Hearing Board.
-- Hired Code Assessment as a code official for the township.