Several construction projects continue into fall

The following is a round-up of current PennDOT road work and construction projects in northcentral Pa.:

Lycoming County

A reconstruction and bridge replacement project continues this week on Lycoming Mall Drive (Route 2014) and Fairfield Road (Route 2045) in Fairfield Township.

The week of Monday, Sept. 30 the contractor will continue reconstruction of the roadway above the new structure over Bennett’s Run at the intersection of Fairfield Road and Lycoming Mall Drive.

Drivers can expect one lane of traffic to be maintained in each direction with periodic flagging where work is being performed.

HRI is the prime contractor on this $8 million, two-year reconstruction and bridge replacement project. Work on this project includes widening, constructing turn lanes, and installing traffic signals on Fairfield Road, which occurred in 2023. This year, work includes the replacement of the structure carrying Lycoming Mall Drive over Bennetts Run, intersection improvements at Lycoming Mall Drive and Fairfield Road, including the installation of a traffic signal. Work on this project is expected to be completed this fall.

Emergency flood repairs on Route 287

Embankment and shoulder repairs in various locations on Route 297 in Cummings and Pine townships continue this week. The repairs are part of an emergency flood repair project. A flood damaged the area Aug. 9 after heavy rains.

Drivers can expect single lane conditions with flaggers where work is being performed. Work will be performed during daylight hours.

Glenn O. Hawbaker is the prime contractor for this emergency flood repair project. Work includes repairing shoulder/embankment erosion, R-8 rock slope and scour protection, shoulder backup and guiderail repairs at various locations along Route 287.

Centre County

Construction began Sunday night as part of a high-speed interchange project between Interstates 80 and 99 in Centre County. This project will enhance traffic safety by providing a direct connection between the two highways.

Shoulder reconstruction and widening on I-80 eastbound and westbound between mile markers 158 and 163 began at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Traffic is reduced to one lane during construction.

Work will begin in the westbound lanes and continue for approximately a month before switching to the eastbound lanes for another month.

PennDOT initially announced work would begin earlier in the month, but there were delays.

Overall work on this project includes building the interchange, ten bridges, four retaining walls, five box culverts, seven sign structures, and three changeable message boards. It also includes constructing new and rebuilding existing roadways and ramps, drainage improvements, installing Intelligent Transportation Devices, guide rail and highway lighting, pavement marking, stream improvements, and miscellaneous construction. Work will continue through the next six construction seasons, ending in 2030.

Trumbull Corporation of Pittsburgh is the contractor on this $259 million project. Approximately $170 million of the funding comes from the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) .

Montour County

River Drive (Route 2006) near the railroad crossing in Mahoning Township remains closed as a contractor completes a maintenance project.

PennDOT originally anticipated the project would wrap up by August, but construction has been extended. PennDOT anticipates the road will reopen by Friday, Oct. 11. The project began on July 8.

The work includes removal and replacement of a failing retaining wall between River Drive and the railroad tracks. The contractor also is replacing pipes, paving, and completing guiderail upgrades.

Traffic Detours:

A car and truck detour is in place using Clinic Drive, Route 11, Ridge Drive (Route 2006) and Mount Zion Drive (Route 2013).A bicycle detour is in place using Clinic Drive, Toby Run Road, Ridge Drive and Mount Zion Drive.

Northumberland/Union Counties

A bridge inspection project will take place this week on the Barry King Bridge (Route 11) between Northumberland and Union counties.

On Monday, Sept. 30, a PennDOT maintenance crew will be inspecting the bridge by crane between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Both north and southbound motorists can expect single lane conditions when work is being performed.

Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and drive with caution through the work zones. All work is weather dependent.