PennDOT displays plans for reconstruction of Route 519 in North Strabane Township
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
Nancy Kolenc, PennDOT project manager, left, discusses plans for reconstruction of Route 519 in North Strabane Township, with residents Mildred and Toni Vallone and David Higgins during an Open House at North Strabane Township Wednesday. The project, estimated to cost between $24-27 million, is expected to get underway this fall.
Karen Mansfield/Observer-Reporter
Jack Curran, middle, of North Strabane Township, talks with PennDOT representative Ryan Kenner about reconstruction of Route 519. The project will include the installation of traffic signals, widening roads, installing turning lanes and improving adjacent local roads.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation hosted a public display of its plans Wednesday for a project at Route 519 at Route 980 and Interstate 79 in North Strabane Township.
The project, estimated to cost between $24 million and $27 million, calls for reconstructing a 1.5-mile stretch from west of the I-79 interchanges to just east of the Route 19 ramp.
The project is expected to get underway in the fall.
“This is a safety project for 519. We’re adding some signals, we’re adding some exclusive turn lanes and signals, and we’re also adding a center left turn lane throughout the corridor,” said Rachel Duda, PennDOT assistant district executive for design. “These are all in order to enhance safety and to eliminate the queueing that currently exists. So, if you live here or work here or have a business, this project should be of great benefit. We’re very happy to get it under construction for you and it will be a huge improvement to the area.”
Nancy Kolenc, PennDOT project manager, said the safety improvement project was on the department’s list of high crash locations, noting the crash rate along the stretch is double the expected rate.
The project will include shifting the four-way intersection of 519 near Suzie B’s Diner – currently a four-way stop – and installing a traffic signal and turn lanes. A high-friction surface system to enhance traction also will be installed in that area.
Other improvements will include road widening to accommodate turn lanes and traffic signals at the Route 519/Route 980/Route 19 ramp intersection and the I-79 ramp intersections.
Access improvements will also be made to several adjacent local roads.
Kolenc said the project includes “some other innovations,” including signage, pavement markings and edge line delineation.
Township residents milled in and out of the township building during the two-hour open house. Detailed construction plans were displayed on posters and PennDOT representatives were on-hand to answer questions and concerns.
A PowerPoint presentation highlighted the construction plans and time line.
“It’s a good project. It’s well worth it,” said North Strabane Township resident Jack Curran. “It’s much needed because of the traffic coming through on 519. It certainly will ease the traffic, especially the traffic lights and the widening of the roads.”
Resident Toni Vallone of Carol Drive is among the approximately 50 homeowners whose property will be impacted by the project.
Vallone said 1,075 square feet of her home’s frontage will be claimed during construction.
“I can understand that we need to improve that stretch. Traffic is heavy,” said Vallone. “But they’ll be taking the frontage, which is the beauty of my home. It’s a serious impact.”
The project is scheduled to be completed in two full construction seasons.