New Bill Would Rename Roadway To Honor Montco's Robert Godshall

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PA — A bill has been introduced in the Pennsylvania state legislature that would honor a late, longtime representative from the region.

The proposed House Bill 1639 would rename a portion of Route 113 the Honorable Robert W. Godshall Memorial Highway, in honor of the local legislator that served the region for 36 years.

It was brought forth by State Rep. Steve Malagari, who currently serves in Godshall's old seat in the 53rd District.

“Representative Godshall was remarkably committed to being an accessible state representative and used his position to better the lives of Pennsylvanians with terminal illnesses,” Malagari said in a statement. “His legislation that allowed patients living with terminal illnesses to try treatments not yet approved by the FDA eventually expanded into national law.”

The stretch of renamed roadway would run from Schoolhouse Road in Franconia Township to County Line Road in Souderton.

Godshall was 86 when he died from cancer in 2019, leaving behind a rich legacy.

A graduate of Souderton High School, Juniata College, and the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, Godshall also previously served as Montgomery County Controller.

In the House, Godshall was the chairman of the House Consumer Affairs Committee for 11 years.

Locally, he served on the Souderton School Board for 17 years.

The bill has already cleared the House Transportation Committee, and will be sent to the full House for a vote next.