NEW GARDEN: Newark Road closure at Hillendale Road

As you've probably noticed, the busy intersection of Hillendale and Newark Roads in New Garden Township was shut down on May 19 for reconstruction. 

We stopped by on June 20 to check out the progress.

You would not even recognize the intersection. Many trees have been removed from the roadsides to improve visibility, and the roads are being torn up and widened.  

I am standing in the middle of Newark Rd., looking east on Hillendale Rd. Looks a little different, huh!

Looking north on Newark Road. 

Lying on the grass at the southeast corner of the intersection is the sign that once forbade motorists from making left turns from Newark Rd. onto Hillendale Rd.

Here's the official description of the project, which is expected to take five months (from New Garden's website): 

"This project includes reconstruction of the intersection approaches of Newark & Hillendale road and extending sewer through the project limits. Proposed improvements include: adjustment of the horizontal and vertical alignments at the intersection, construction on a left-turn lane to mediate southbound movements from Newark Road onto Eastbound Hillendale Road, installation of guiderail along Hillendale Road, single face barrier installation along Newark Road, reconstruction of two culverts on Newark & Hillendale Road, and overall widening on both roads."

Here is a map of the project site and the detour route:

Local primary results still aren't "final"

As of June 17, the results from the June 2 primary were still listed as "unofficial" on the Chester County Voter Services' website. Results were delayed due to the need to collect and process mail-in ballots. So bear in mind that the following information may be subject to change.
Across Chester County, turnout was 34% overall, and most of the precincts throughout the county had turnouts in the 30% range. Pennsbury Township's North-1 precinct had the county's highest turnout, at 60%, and Kennett Township's third precinct had a 51% turnout (turnout is always superb due, I believe, to the presence of the Kendal/Crosslands retirement community, home of many highly educated and politically active retirees). Newlin had a 41% turnout, and here in West Marlborough 250 of the 593 registered voters cast their ballots.
In the presidential race, countywide Joe Biden received 60,280 votes (81% of the Democratic vote) and Bernie Sanders got 11,694 (15%). On the Republican side, Donald Trump received 38,008 votes (82% of the Republican vote). 
For the Sixth District in the U.S. Congress, Democratic incumbent Chrissy Houlihan received 71,116 votes and Republican challenger John Emmons received 44,285.
In the race for state Senator in the 19th District (the seat held for many years by Democrat Andy Dinniman, who is retiring), state Rep. Carolyn Comitta received 51% of the vote, beating Don Vymazal (31%) and Kyle Boyer (16%). Comitta, former mayor of West Chester, will face Republican Kevin Runey in November.
In the 160th District (currently represented by Republican Stephen Barrar, who is retiring), Democrat Anton Andrew beat Cathy Spahr, 84% to 14%, and will face Republican Craig Williams, who was unchallenged.
I'll keep an eye on the results and will let you know when they are "final." The excellent website is at https://pennsylvania.totalvote.com/Chester

Save the Date, COVID version!

We're all used to receiving "Save the Date" postcards for weddings, but this was a first: we just received a "Save the Date" refrigerator magnet for a First Wedding Anniversary Party. The engaged couple had a lavish wedding planned for this summer at a posh-sounding King of Prussia venue -- I for one was looking forward to it -- but of course had to cancel due to the pandemic. Hence the need for a second "Save the Date" notification. A creative solution, I think. 
Dearest Partner raises a good question, though: Do we send a wedding present? Or wait for the first anniversary?