Residents urge traffic signal or roundabout at Route 209 and Hollow Road during Middle Smithfield meeting

Residents used the public-comment period at the June 11 meeting of the Middle Smithfield Township Board of Supervisors to press for improved traffic controls at the intersection of Route 209 and Hollow Road.

One commenter said they had asked whether township staff were "doing anything to try to encourage the Department of Transportation to put a traffic light" at the road access and noted that PennDOT is moving forward with bids for a larger project this fall. Commenters described an increase in seasonal camper and RV traffic and suggested an average annual traffic count may not capture summer peaks: "Their survey showed that the average traffic was not high enough to justify a light," a resident said.

Participants discussed alternatives, including a traffic circle as a lower-cost option that would avoid the stop-and-go delay of a signal. Engineer Ben and other board members said PennDOT has scheduled a related project and that if traffic problems persist the township and residents can re-engage the agency during public comment periods or request further study.

Zoom participant Moren Madden introduced herself and offered direct assistance communicating with PennDOT about local projects, saying some corridor work is planned for 2028–29 and offering to follow up with specifics for the board. Madden also highlighted a community Women's Expo scheduled for the upcoming Saturday at Stroudsburg High School.

The board did not take an immediate vote on traffic control changes at the meeting; PennDOT's designs for the planned Route 209 improvements were described as moving toward the bidding stage, and residents were encouraged to continue raising concerns with PennDOT and township staff.

Ending: The township accepted residents' concerns and noted PennDOT work is ongoing; the board asked staff to continue monitoring and requested copies of finalized PennDOT plans when available.