Traffic delays associated with the Potters Mills Gap project on Route 322 have become common, but PennDOT says the standstills encountered by motorists last week and Monday morning were ‘unacceptable.’
Drainage work and cross pipe installation were originally scheduled to take place around the clock but caused significant delays for drivers last week. To alleviate the congestion, PennDOT announced on Friday that starting Sunday the work would be restricted to 6 p.m. through 7 a.m., between the 322/Route 144 intersection at Potters Mills and Red Mill Road/Mountain Back Road.
Crews, however, had not completed installing cross pipe in all the trenches dug prior to Monday morning’s commute, which again resulted in significant delays, according to PennDOT.
“We are readjusting our production expectations to ensure the roadway is opened in time in the future,” said Steven Fantechi, assistant district executive for construction.
Drainage work is expected to continue through at least July 6.
A crossover through the project area between Decker Valley Road and Sand Mountain Road, with one lane available in each direction, will remain in place through the fall.
The current work is part of phase three of the Potters Mills Gap project, which began in 2015. Phase three will reconstruct Route 322 from Sand Mountain Road to Potters Mills, including a new Route 322/Route 144 intersection that will be a part of the local access road. PennDOT expects the new road to be open in the fall of 2020.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. is the contractor on the $82 million phase three, the largest part of the $100 million overall project.
Phase one included onstruction of the new bridge at Sand Mountain Road and phase two created the new interchange for Route 322 and Sand Mountain Road.
