Crash in Unity shuts down Route 30 traffic signal, restricts turns at Theatre Street

Jeff Himler, Tribune-Review, Greensburg, Pa.
·2 min read

Sep. 17—A two-car crash Sunday afternoon in Unity Township shut down a traffic signal at Route 30 and Theatre Street, restricting left turns and cross-traffic at the intersection.

Officials said the restrictions could remain in place Monday morning as the township works to replace a signal control box damaged in the wreck.

Township Supervisor Mike O'Barto said the Greater Latrobe School District has been notified of the potential traffic impact. The Theatre Street intersection is one of the main points of access along Route 30 for reaching the district senior high and junior high schools as well as the Wildcat Commons shopping plaza.

No injuries were reported in the wreck that occurred at about 2:30 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of Route 30, but one of the cars overturned and destroyed the signal control box in front of the CVS pharmacy, according to Youngstown-Whitney fire Chief Barry Banker.

"It's a rather complicated intersection with a large, complicated control box," said Banker. "It was knocked off the foundation and laid over on its side."

After the wreckage was cleared, eastbound and westbound traffic resumed on Route 30, but a median barrier was placed in the intersection to prevent motorists from traveling across the highway on Theatre.

Also, O'Barto said, "The westbound turning lane into the (plaza) and the Greater Latrobe High School is closed, as well as the eastbound turning lane going toward Lawson Heights."

Officials determined "it was the safest plan, to eliminate confusion and try to prevent another (crash)," said Banker.

Township vendor Schultheis Electric is working to get a new control box but, O'Barto said, "it is doubtful that the traffic signals will be operational for the morning commute."

"It's best for people to look for an alternate route if they can," said Tom Schultheis, the township's emergency management coordinator.

Jeff Himler is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Jeff by email at jhimler@triblive.com or via Twitter .