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FRANKLIN SQUARE -- The Salem Township Board of Trustees heard a request for additional signage from a resident in its meeting Tuesday.
Resident Gary Wolford shared concerns about heavy semi traffic on Old state Route 558 near his residence on Salem Grange Road, explaining that trucks attempt to cut through the area to travel between state routes 558 and 344, without realizing the bridge is too low for them to travel under, and that he was concerned someone could be injured as they attempt to turn around in the limited space available.
"Somebody is going to get hurt when you have semis backing up through an S-bend," said Wolford.
Wolford questioned if there is anything that can be done to curtail the amount of traffic in the area, requesting the implementation of larger or additional signage to help prevent trucks from getting as far down the road where it is more difficult for them to exit the area safely.
Road Supervisor Jason Entrikin said that the township had recently installed a larger sign in the area, and trustees said that they had been in contact with the Columbiana County Prosecutor's Office about potential solutions to the issue, and that they had little legal recourse.
"We addressed that with the prosecutor that visited us not too long ago and they said there's basically nothing we can do," said Trustee John Wilms.
Wolford also said that the state of the bridge itself is a cause for concern as the concrete is deteriorating, noting that recently a chunk of concrete had fallen in front of him while traveling in the area recently.
Trustees said that they had notified Conrail about the concerning state of the bridge multiple times to no avail, with trustee Bill Heston noting it was "like talking to a building."
"It's been brought to the railroad's attention several times and it goes nowhere," said Wilms.
During his report Road Foreman Jason Entrikin said that he would like to purchase a new pressure washer for the department at an estimated cost of $299. Entrikin said that the township's previous unit had lasted approximately six years and that the cost to repair it would be roughly equivalent to the purchase price of a new unit. Entrikin also said he would like to purchase an electric buffer, wheels and compounds to clean some of the township's equipment. While Entrikin said he wasn't sure of the exact price for all of the equipment he would need, he could investigate the cost further, and trustees said they were in favor of the purchase.
The board of trustees will meet next 9 a.m. Dec. 27 for its annual organizational meeting.