Route 903, “Highway to Adventure,” claims three more lives.

There have been nine deaths in this past year on a stretch of Route 903 that is less than 2 miles long! The design of the turnpike interchange has not helped this situation. In fact it encourages speeding. For some reason, which I fail to fathom, a third lane with a passing zone was put in on Route 903 south.

We have personally witnessed many near misses there due to people jumping into that right lane and passing. Less than a quarter mile from that is Hickory Run Estates, the Penn Forest Township Municipal building, Lehighton Ambulance Association, Bear Mountain Realty and residential homes. There is also a knoll in the road which impedes visibility in both directions.

Wake up, PennDOT, before more lives are lost. Eliminate that third lane. Perhaps the installation of a flashing yellow light would warn drivers of the ambulances coming and going. Decreasing the speed limit and more police presence might help also.

My heart goes out to the families that lost their loved ones. I would like to thank all the members of Penn Forest Township Volunteer Fire Company, Lehighton Ambulance crew, and the state police for all you do. You gave up your Christmas Eve to deal with this latest catastrophe.

Diane Kennedy

Jim Thorpe