Changes to the Fairground Road Trail crossing!
ATTENTION TRAIL USERS!!!!
Changes at the Rail Trail and Fairground Road Pedestrian Crossing in East Buffalo Township, PA
Motorists and pedestrians are advised of changes to the pedestrian crossing signals on Fairground Road in East Buffalo Township, Union County.
The automatic sensors have been deactivated on the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) system will be removed, due to ongoing concerns with the sensors malfunctioning. The flashing beacons will remain installed at the crossing and pedestrians must press a pole-mounted button to activate the flashing beacons, similar to a traditional crosswalk system.
While the RRFB is not a traffic signal, the system serves as a warning system to approaching motorists to advise them that pedestrians are attempting to cross the road. Pennsylvania law states that motorists must yield to pedestrians within a crosswalk. Pedestrians should also use caution when crossing the road, looking both ways to make sure there are no oncoming vehicles or that all vehicles have stopped before crossing the road. Bicyclists are reminded to adhere to all posted traffic signals and signs at each trail crossing.
For more information or questions, please contact:
John Del Vecchio, AICP
Trail Manager,
Union County Trail Authority at jdelvecchio@unionco.org.
Board Member Needed
The Union County Commissioners are seeking applications from interested residents to serve as board members.
Those interested in volunteering should go to https://unioncountypa.org/authorities-and-boards/ and click “Apply Now”.
Trail mowing announcement
Trail Users! Please be aware that the unpaved portion of the trail will be getting mowed stating next week 6/9/25. Please be careful in work areas!
Trail Section Closure Notice
Have you seen the newly installed decals on the trail? They are intended to remind trail users to stop and look before crossing at intersections.
Trail closure extended
The weekday closure of the BVRT between Bull Run Crossing and Fairfield Road has been extended to next Tuesday May 6th. The trail WILL be open this weekend. Our vegetation contractor got pulled away to help clean up storm damage in the region and needs to extend their work timeline for the trail. Thank you for your understanding of this matter.
May Bicycle Safety Month
We are preparing for the upcoming May Bicycle Safety Month by raising awareness of trail user safety. The Authority will be deploying fun bicycle safety road decals along the trail and sharing safety reminders on its Facebook page regarding public safety for trail users and drivers.
All trail users should stop, listen, and look both ways to make sure it is safe to proceed in the crosswalk where the rail trail intersects roadways. It has been reported that some trail users are darting across the road in front of approaching vehicles without even looking. We also understand there are drivers speeding and not slowing down for trail users as well. Vehicle operators should slow down and anticipate trail users at the designated crossings which are marked with advanced warning signs and painted crosswalks.
In Pennsylvania, bicycles must observe and adhere to all stop signs and other traffic control devices just like an automobile. This is because bicycles are considered vehicles by state law. Bicycles are not afforded the same treatment as pedestrians in a crosswalk unless the cyclist dismounts and walks the bike through the crosswalk.
Children under the age of 12 are required by law to wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. However, everyone is encouraged to wear a helmet; helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by 85%. A properly fitting helmet should sit right above eyebrows and be tightly buckled so it does not slip when riding.
Finally, when on the trail please be courteous to other trail users. If pulling off to the side, make sure no one is near you, announce if you are passing, and give other users enough space. It is recommended that people pass on the left.
For any updates on special events on the trail or to report any problems you see, please visit our website or contact the Trail Manager at 570-524-3878. You can also follow the Buffalo Valley Rail Trail on Facebook.