Pennsylvania officials Friday announced new measures to improve traffic safety on the northbound Interstate 83 approach to the interchange with Route 581 in Lemoyne, Cumberland County.


PennDOT will take a series of steps, including adding warning signs and recommending the closing of the Brandt Avenue ramp to northbound I-83. State Police will increase enforcement during peak morning travel times.

The northbound approach on I-83, just north of the Yellow Breeches Creek, was the scene of a fatal crash involving 10 vehicles on July 21 when a truck ran into a traffic backup during the morning rush hour. The interchange with Route 581 is known locally as the York split.

The new measures include:

-- Installation of signs at Limekiln Road (Exit 40A) and Route 114 (Exit 39A) with flashing warning lights for "Congested Area Ahead;"

-- Replacing a full-span overhead sign bridge approaching Exit 39A/B and adding a flashing warning sign for "Congested Area Ahead;"

-- Installation of a new electronic message board between Strinestown (Exit 28) and Valley Green (Exit 34) to send messages to motorists regarding traffic conditions;

-- A recommendation to the Federal Highway Administration for the closing of the Brandt Avenue on-ramp to northbound I-83 at the south end of the York split; and

-- Construction of at least two concrete pads for State Police patrol cars to aid in their efforts to control speeding and aggressive driving.