The project started with preliminary engineering for PennDOT Dist 5 in 2010. McMahon Associates was the prime consultant and included a team of sub-consultants: Lotus Environmental, AD Marble, AGES, Taylor Wiseman Taylor, and Susquehanna Civil. 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.

McMahon evaluated the existing conditions as well as 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 located within and around the project area. This project also extended the improvements being constructed under the adjacent SR 61, Sec. 15S project which included the interchange area of SR 0222.

McMahon provided preliminary and final design improvements including:

o 1.1 miles of lane widening from 2-3 to 5 lanes
o Intersection Safety Improvements
o Traffic signal improvements
o Pedestrian accommodations
o Detailed traffic control

Once the preferred alternative was selected by the District, McMahon 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.

The project included an 1880’s waterline throughout the length on SR 61 which was also being replaced during this project due to the age and condition. Coordination with the water line company throughout design was required in order to stage the construction and waterline replacement with the roadway construction improvement. The project also included coordination with two cemeteries in order to ensure no impact to the existing grave locations.

McMahon is continuing to assist PennDOT District 5 during the construction phase on an as-needed basis. We are available for questions related to the construction documents, conditions, and any changes in the design proposed by the Contractor.