Going the wrong way? New Allegheny County traffic pattern has some drivers adjusting
BRENTWOOD, Pa. —
Brentwood has introduced a new one-way traffic pattern on West Willock Road and parts of surrounding streets to enhance safety and traffic flow ahead of a new elementary school opening in January.
“There is a lot of issues sometimes getting around people on this road, and I kind of thought maybe it should be a one-way to begin with,” said Cassandra Krumm, who lives on West Willock.
Brentwood police Chief Adam Zeppuhar explained the decision to implement the change.
“Knowing that this has been a cut-through in an area many motorists have been traveling for decades, we felt it was best to have this traffic pattern effective as soon as possible just so everybody can get used to the new pattern,” Zeppuhar said.
The change was made after traffic studies conducted by the borough, council, and school district determined it was the best solution for student safety and traffic management.
“We are a walking school district. And with that being in mind, in the new school opening up here, the borough and council, and with the school district, traffic studies were done. And the best solution was determined to make this one-way for the safety of the students and promote traffic flow,” Zeppuhar said.
Despite signage, some drivers originally struggled to adapt to the new traffic pattern, with many relying on muscle memory and heading the wrong way. Police and traffic cones are now in place to guide drivers.
“We did have at least one traffic stop to warn a motorist. Others we were able to stop before they entered in,” Zeppuhar said.
The change has received mixed reactions from residents, though many agree that student safety is the priority.
“I see some cars zooming sometimes. I guess it could be helpful, cause they don’t got to worry about anything from this direction,” said Max Brown, a Brentwood resident.
“It might be a little bit annoying sometimes when you’re trying to get out that way. But considering most people seem to come down this way, but rather than the person going down that way, I don’t think it’s going to be too large a change,” Krumm said.
Police and traffic cones will remain in place for at least a week to help drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.