Transportation Improvements Completed along Easton Road
The redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station – Joint Reserve Base (NAS-JRB) Willow Grove will require many changes both on and off the former base property. As the Navy continues its environmental investigations and works with the environ-mental regulators to document parcels ready to transfer to the local community, transportation improvements are already being completed.
Recently, the intersection of West Moreland Avenue and Easton Road was realigned to allow safer movement of traffic along that busy section of Route 611. Using funds from the Military Installation Remediation and Infrastructure Authority (MIRIA), a new signal was added and new access was provided on the west side of the intersection. This new access will initially allow traffic to easily and safely access Tinius Olsen, a local business in Horsham Township, and is aligned with one of the future roads which will cross the former base.
W. William Whiteside, III, Chairman of the Horsham Land Redevelopment Authority (who also sits on the MIRIA Board) called the project “an important step in ensuring the redevelopment of the base accounts for both safety and access for the local community and future users of the base”.
The $3 Million project was started in June 2021 when the property at 986 Easton Road was acquired by MIRIA which allowed the intersection to be re-designed to improve the approach angle. Coordination with the Hatboro-Horsham School District and the Horsham Water and Sewer Authority was instrumental during the construction phase to minimize impacts on local residents and the adjacent Hallowell Elementary School. PENNDOT permits were obtained for the installation of the new traffic signal as well as the appropriate easements with the U.S. Navy for the changes to the security fencing at the Tinius Olsen location. New pavement markings permit queuing for left hand turns across the busy roadway making it safer for all travelers.
