Route 21 project to start
Construction crews are expected to begin work today on a project to realign Route 21 at Bailey’s Crossroads in Cumberland Township.
Plum Contracting Inc. will start the seven-month project by moving a water line in the construction zone. Traffic will be controlled as necessary by flaggers, state Department of Transportation spokeswoman Valerie Petersen said.
PennDOT postponed bidding the project twice last year, although department officials said then that, despite the delay, the project would be completed this year. A number of projects are moving forward now, Petersen said.
“The weather has been cooperating,” she said.
Plum Contracting of Greensburg received the contract on the project with a bid of $5.125 million. It was given notice to proceed Feb. 22 and the work is expected to be completed by mid-November.
The project calls for the realignment of the intersection to allow uninterrupted traffic flow on Route 21.
Currently, traffic heading west on Route 21 must stop at a T-intersection at George Street (Route 1021) while traffic heading east can continue unimpeded.
The project will give traffic in both directions on Route 21 “through movement” at the intersection, Petersen said.
Traffic studies have indicated most of the vehicles traveling through the area take Route 21 to Masontown. About 8,000 vehicles each day use this section of highway.
The project will involve creating a new four-way intersection on Route 21 with George Street and Glade Run Road, which will both be realigned. Turning lanes will be added on Route 21 for left turns onto George Street and Glade Run Road. The intersection will have a traffic signal, which is expected to improve safety.
A second four-way intersection will be developed to the west with Muddy Creek Road and Greene Valley Road.
Greene Valley Road will be realigned and the entrance to Muddy Creek Road will be improved to allow better sight lines on Muddy Creek.
entering Route 21. Stop signs will be posted on Muddy Creek and Greene Valley roads at Route 21.
The project will include the reconstruction of about 1,900 feet of Route 21. Other work will include upgrades to storm drains, creation of a new storm water detention systems, driveway adjustments, new signing and pavement markings.