City to pursue insurance company for stoplight loss

April 14--West Side residents may be getting their traffic light back.

New Castle city council on Thursday introduced an ordinance to create a three-way stop at the intersection of West Washington and Smithfield streets. The traffic signal that once controlled the intersection was knocked down following a traffic accident there in November 2017.

Since then, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation did a traffic study and recommended removing the traffic light and creating a three-way stop. The study also recommended additional safety precautions including oversize stop signs, stop ahead signs and clearing obstructions including trees and bushes from the intersection.

However, council members noted that city solicitor Jason Medure is pursuing the insurance company of the motorist deemed responsible for the accident.

"We will be going after the responsible person's insurance company to pay for what was damaged," said Councilman Tom Smith. "We want to see what (the insurance company) will give us."

This pleased other council members.

"They should have a light," Councilman Richard Beshero said. "We will have the money."

Residents from the West Side neighborhood have attended recent council meeting and workshop sessions pleading that the traffic signal be restored.

Residents have complained that the three-way stop sign, currently in place, is not sufficient. They also pointed out that "there is nothing to slow down eastbound motorists coming from Union Township toward the city.

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