PennDOT plans for busy summer of construction
The state Department of Transportation is preparing for a busy construction season, with dozens of projects planned throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania, including eight for Greene County.
“I am pleased to announce a list of transportation projects for the southwest region that represent balancing the needs of the interstate, national highway, secondary, and local networks within our vital transportation system,” said Gov. Tom Wolf in a release issued recently by PennDOT.
“It is through the continual efforts of our staff in the construction, design, and maintenance teams of PennDOT that we are able to preserve and improve so many of our roadways and bridges even during these challenging financial times.”
In 2020, PennDOT faced construction delays due to COVID-19. According to Acting Press Officer Jay Ofsanik, when projects began to start back up last summer, contractors needed to present a COVID safety plan to resume construction.
“COVID was a challenge … Now that we’re moving into 2021, those restrictions are being lifted. We should be able to put all of our projects back on schedule,” Ofsanik said.
In Greene County, PennDOT plans improvements to the bridge carrying McCracken Road over Mudlick Fork in Aleppo Township, according to the PennDOT release. The project will cost $1.7 million and is expected to be completed this year.
There will also be bridge replacement projects on Maranda Run Road in Center Township and Poland Run Road in Richhill Township. PennDOT estimates the projects will cost $400,000 each.
“There is a bridge inspection and maintenance program that is continual,” said Greene County Commissioner Mike Belding. “There is a whole plan in place on how they select those bridges.”
Belding added the county is cooperative with PennDOT on the projects.
“We’re always appreciative of any funding that comes in and keeps our roads and bridges safe,” Belding said.