PennDOT’s 12-year plan details projects on Routes 21, 381, 40
Numerous Fayette County road projects are being advanced through the state Department of Transportation’s 12-year plan, with announcements this past week that two of the projects are taking major steps forward.
Statewide, the plan anticipated $63.2 million to be available for projects over the next 12 years, up from $41.6 million two years ago when the plan was last updated.
The plan includes more than 60 road projects and nearly 50 bridge projects in Fayette County over the next 12 years.
Route 21
While the plan technically begins in October, some of the projects have been on the list in the past and are already advancing. Work begins today on the road widening project on Route 21 between Easy Street in Uniontown and Springdale Golf Course.
According to PennDOT, one of the first steps is to demolish the buildings taken by eminent domain for the project including the former Cherry Tree Cafe, the former bank in front of Gabriel’s, the former Bariatric Center, and Second Selection, the former Smoking Crab Restaurant, Big Daddy’s Tattoos and 3 J Fireplace and Patio. Additionally there will also be multiple residential dwellings demolished as part of the project.
According to PennDOT officials, there will be no traffic restrictions during the demolition phase.
The work includes reconstructing Route 21 to include a center lane for left turns. There will also be improvements to the intersecting roads, traffic signals and guardrails, as well as to the bridge over the Uniontown bypass.
The Route 21 work will be done by Golden Triangle Construction of Pittsburgh under an $18 million contract.
Menallen intersection
Work is expected to begin sometime this fall for the relocation of the Dearth Road/Canistra Road intersection with Route 40 near the Torchlight Restaurant in Menallen Township.
“This project was let on July 31 and it’s using the Highway Safety Improvement Program money. The contract was awarded (Thursday) to Independence Excavating Inc.” said Rachel Duda, the PennDOT District 12 assistant manager.
The Pittsburgh-area firm will be relocating Dearth and Canistra roads 800 feet west of the current intersection to improve sight distances for drivers. There have been numerous accidents at the present intersection, which is just over the crest of a hill. Duda said turn lanes will also be added to Route 40 at that intersection to improve safety. The existing side roads will end in cul-de-sacs.
“It will take two construction seasons to finish,” Duda said.
Duda said there will be no changes in the access to the Torchlight restaurant.
Routes 40/381 intersection
This project is the intersection improvements to the Route 40 (National Pike) / Route 381 (Farmington-Ohiopyle Road) intersection in Wharton Township.
“This project is to be let in December of this year, but we still have some right-of-way issues,” Duda said.
According to Duda, PennDOT currently is working with Wharton Township regarding the abandonment of old Route 381.
“It’s planned for one construction season, but if it’s not let in December, that could push it into a second year,” Duda said.
According to PennDOT project manager Gary Ferrari, the project includes the realignment of the southern leg of Route 381 to create a plus-sign shaped intersection with a traffic light. A left turn lane will be added both eastbound and westbound on Route 40.
Other projects
Route 119: Pechin Road-Bell Drive
This project includes new concrete on Route 119 from Pechin Road to Bell Drive in Dunbar Township. It is scheduled to be let for Construction in December 2014.
McClure Road
This project is the review of the Route 119 McClure Road intersection in Upper Tyrone Township to develop a proposal for projects that would update and modernize Route 119 in this area.
Preliminary engineering is currently ongoing for the highway project
Layton Bridge
This project is the rehabilitation/replacement of the Layton Bridge (SR 4038) over the Youghiogheny River and Trail in Perry Township.
Preliminary engineering is expected to begin sometime in 2017, but there is no estimated start date for construction.