Construction begins on new state police Troop B headquarters
The site for the new state police Troop B headquarters on Route 519 in North Bethlehem Township
Workers set up a construction trailer Tuesday at the site where the new state police Troop B headquarters will be built on Route 519 in North Bethlehem Township.
Construction is under way in North Bethlehem Township on a long-awaited new headquarters for state police Troop B, currently based in Washington.
The nearly $6 million building is expected to be open in a year along Route 519 allowing troopers to begin using a nearby supply building that has been sitting vacant for more than two years, state police spokesman Matthew Jardine said Tuesday.
“We’re going to be happy to be in there,” Jardine said.
The troopers expressed frustration in 2013 about not being able to use the $3.4 million supply building until the opening of the new headquarters, which was then eight years behind schedule for completion.
The new headquarters was considered a priority project when it was announced in 2004, but like many other Pennsylvania construction projects, it was postponed under Gov. Tom Corbett’s administration.
The existing barracks at 83 Murtland Ave. dating to 1949 is too small and puts troopers on the road for emergencies in an area where traffic is often congested.
Walter Mucci Construction Co. of Perryopolis broke ground on the new headquarters about two weeks ago without any ribbon cuttings or politicians posing for photographs with their feet on shovels. Jardine said state police no longer make big announcements when new barracks are being built.
State Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, said she was pleased to learn Tuesday that ground was broken on the headquarters.
“The men and women of the state police should have the best possible facility to assist them in carrying out their job duties efficiently and effectively and this project will ensure this becomes a reality, said Bartolotta.
Troop B has other barracks in Belle Vernon, Waynesburg, Uniontown and Moon Township.