By Eileen Godin

egodin@timesleader.com

HARVEYS LAKE — Four solar speed minder signs will soon be part of the borough’s arsenal to increase safety along Lakeside Drive, according to Police Chief Charles Musial.

Musial learned the news Thursday following an hour and a half safety meeting with members of the Harveys Lake Safety Committee, borough council members, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Lehman) and Rep. Karen Boback (R-Harveys Lake).

“Speed minders made a big difference when we previously borrowed them from PennDOT,” Musial said.

“I am pleased that our efforts have come to fruition,” Boback said. “It is my hope that these speed minders remind motorists to slow down and drive safely.”

Safety concerns regarding the heavily traveled, nine-mile, Lakeside Drive spiked last June when 31-year-old triathlete Paula Jones was killed by a drunk driver. Lakeside Drive is a narrow, two-lane roadway with limited visibility that poses safety hazards for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

Since the incident, legislators have worked with the resident-formed Harveys Lake Safety Committee, PennDOT, the Harveys Lake Police Department and borough council to create a safety plan to benefit residents and visitors.

“The community worked hard to identify changes to improve public safety,” Baker said in a news release.

The speed minders will be purchased by PennDOT, Musial said.

“We are hoping the speed minders will be in operation by Memorial Day,” he said.

The speed minders will be implemented along with other safety measures that include the recent lowering of Lakeside Drive’s speed limit from 35 to 30 miles per hour and increased police patrols, Musial said.

“The new 30 mile-an-hour signs are installed,” Musial said.

Also, the new speed limit will be stenciled onto the surface of sections of Lakeside Drive, Musial said.

“We will also be holding a Safety Awareness Day on May 26,” Musial said. “It will be a big to-do. We are not joking around about safety.”

The event will feature experts from PennDOT to explain rules of the road for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists as well as fun family activities, he said.

“I am thrilled with the cooperation with Sen. Baker, Rep. Boback, the Safety Committee and the Council to improve safety around the lake,” Musial said.

Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter @TLNews.