The project started with preliminary engineering for PennDOT District 5-0 in 2010. There were several phases of the project in engineering, including an alternatives analysis, preliminary engineering, environmental clearance, and final design prior to the project advancing into construction in late 2014. As prime consultant, our team evaluated the existing conditions as well as all the improvements necessary to address the safety and capacity needs of the intersection and approaches. Several alternatives were developed to address the existing church and cemeteries, as well as the environmental, business/residential buildings, and utility constraints. This project also extended the improvements being constructed under the adjacent SR 61, Sec. 15S project which included interchange area of SR 0222. Preliminary and final design improvements included:
- 1.1 miles of lane widening from 2-3 to 5 lanes
- Intersection Safety Improvements
- Traffic signal improvements
- Pedestrian accommodations
- Detailed traffic control
Once the preferred alternative was selected by the District, the team advanced the design into preliminary engineering. During construction, the maintenance and protection of traffic along with the construction staging was critical given the proposed widening, vertical changes due to required pavement depths, concrete pavement, utilities, etc.