Allen Township Board of Supervisors at its Oct. 13 meeting heard a request from a contractor who wants Willowbrook Road closed for two months during roadwork associated with the massive Fed- Ex Ground project - a measure, he says, is necessary for the safety of the work crews and the public.

As the lengthy talks on solving the problem continued back and forth at the meeting, Chairman Bruce Frack backed the road’s shutdown, with conditions.

Frack recommended Willowbrook Road remain open during the day, appeasing motorists going to and from work, but closing the road 6 p.m.-6 a.m. for construction crews to perform their work. The crews would work double shifts, if necessary, under portable light towers.

“I think you can make that work,” Frack said. “This way you could set up the lights. That’s an idea to look at. Well, go get it done.”

Robert Murray, vice president for Alston Construction, agreed to examine the township’s proposal, conveying desired cooperation with the township.

If Willowbrook Road is closed, 16 road cuts for utility crossings would be finished by March. If a road shutdown does not occur, the completion could take until May.

Supervisors agreed that closing Willowbrook Road completely for 60 days could cause issues on other roadways, pushing the approximate 9,700 driving trips to Weaversville Road, which already has similar traffic counts.

The township has no police force; instead, it relies on state police, whose troopers at times are at the road construction site.

Don Noll, a township resident, suggested lowering the speed limit to 15 mph.

Noll added in the original agreement the township entered into, Willowbrook Road was to be open during the whole construction period, which has not been the case. He said the road was closed recently for a few days for utility work.

“We can’t keep everybody happy. I am asking direction from the board,” Murray said.

Supervisor Gary Behler said he has “mixed feelings” of rerouting traffic to East Bullshead Road or Weaversville Road.

Supervisor Al Pierce said the contractor and traffic engineer need to come up with a plan regarding safety and traffic realignment.