CLARKS SUMMIT — A new fence, installed by representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), has provided a fresh look as well as improved the safety along West Grove Street in the borough.

The color of the bridge also matches the school color of the Abington Heights School District: Blue.

“We’re very thankful to PennDOT,” Clarks Summit Councilman Pat Williams said. “We put the request in, they stepped up and accommodated us with the color, and it worked out perfect. This is all part of the aesthetics of the borough and trying to keep everything clean and welcoming. It looks impressive.”

According to Williams, the old fence was damaged and beginning to present safety issues.

“It was really beat up pretty bad,” he said. “I would walk around and the bottom bars were rotting, especially at the joint.”

District 4 Press Officer James May was pleased that PennDOT was able to assist the borough with the project.

“This fence is decorated all the time, so it has a little more significance than many others because it’s right near (Clarks Summit Elementary School),” May said. “It’s nice that we could come along and work with council to have something that is aesthetically pleasing. They did a great job of being proactive.”

May added the fence’s proximity to the elementary school also made it a priority for PennDOT.

“With all of our fences, we have safety concerns,” he said. “There is an added importance of safety with this one because we’re dealing with school children. Many people walk through here and this area is utilized by a lot of children. That’s why it’s so critical that we have a fence, and it’s nice that it’s Comets Blue.”

From left, Clarks Summit Councilman Pat Williams, Clarks Summit Councilman Frank Besten, Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey, Clarks Summit Police Officer Eric Williams and PennDOT District 4 Press Officer James May stand near a new fence along West Grove Street in the borough.
https://www.theabingtonjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/web1_ABJ-CS-Fence-1.jpg.optimal.jpgFrom left, Clarks Summit Councilman Pat Williams, Clarks Summit Councilman Frank Besten, Clarks Summit Borough President Gerrie Carey, Clarks Summit Police Officer Eric Williams and PennDOT District 4 Press Officer James May stand near a new fence along West Grove Street in the borough. Robert Tomkavage | Abington Journal

By Robert Tomkavage

rtomkavage@timesleader.com

Reach Robert Tomkavage at 570-704-3941 or on Twitter @rtomkavage.