WELLS TOWNSHIP, FULTON COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — When a tractor-trailer went off a steep hill in Fulton County recently, one man lost his life. Those who live nearby say the crash is just more evidence that stretch of Route 915 east, is dangerous.
The problem is occurring in Wells Township, Fulton County, not far from the border with Bedford County.
Larger tractor trailers are prohibited from traveling on Route 30 from Breezewood to McConnellsburg in Fulton County. Others try to avoid turnpike tolls, so many ends up on the steep and twisty Route 915 east.
Wells Township Supervisor Kevin Bricker says, “When they start the mountain too fast, they’re definitely out of control by the time they get to the bottom. I’ve seen quite a few that’s come down the mountain and on one set of wheels barely making this turn.”
And fellow Supervisor Duane Souders adds, “On route 30, there are two truck runoffs, as well as pull-offs, 915 there is nothing. There is nothing for these drivers to indicate the mountain and no safe places for them for a runoff,”
One of the more recent tractor trailer crashes created its own path through the woods. It went right by a school bus turnaround at the side of the road. Fortunately, no one was there, but at another time, it could be right in the path of danger.
Souders says, “We want an answer from PennDOT on Route 30 on why is there a restriction and we would like to see on Route 915 we would like to see signage a safe place for these drivers.”
In a statement, PennDOT says it’s made several improvements including upgrades in signage on the turnpike and U.S. Route 30.
The department plans to do a study this summer and fall looking at the number, size, and destination of the trucks who travel through the area. PennDOT says data from the study will be used to make informed decisions and more effective improvements.