Righters Mill Road Ford May Close This Winter

Officials in charge of Lower Merion public works are recommending the Board of Commissioners approve the installation of lockable gates on either side of the Righters Mill Road ford of Mill Creek, allowing it to be closed each winter.

Department director Don Cannon, with the agreement of Township Manager Doug Cleland, placed the proposal on Wednesday night's Public Works Committee agenda. Discussion is scheduled for 6:30 p.m.

The township has already closed Old Gulph Road at its Mill Creek crossing each winter since 2005, Cannon said. Officials have tried before to do likewise at Righters Mill, where creek flow is usually at similar level, the director added. But with less traffic on that road, it was considered less urgent, and temporary barricades have been used instead.

When vehicles drag creek water onto the roadway in freezing temperatures, it adds to the hazards of winter driving. Still, drivers have continued to bypass the temporary blockades each winter, destroying about a dozen each year, Cannon said.

If the gates are approved, they would shut off Righters Mill Road from Mill Creek road to the far side of the creek from mid-November to mid-March.

No residences would be between the gates. Gladwyne Elementary School is a couple blocks north of the creek, but Cannon said he did not believe bus routes typically use the ford anyway.

For suggested detours and further information, see the document attached to this story or call the Public Works department at 610-645-6150.