The Latest on What to Expect as North Atherton Street Project Continues

Construction activity is under way the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s multi-year North Atherton Street improvement project, and with it motorists can continue to expect lane closures, a detour and some travel delays.

The entire project will take place through 2019 and will be done in phases between Aaron Drive and Park Avenue. Utility relocation for the multi-year project began in 2017 and resumed earlier in March. 

Overall work on the project will include relocation of utility lines, sewer and water lines, drainage improvements, curbing, sidewalks, ADA ramps, traffic signal upgrades, new concrete median and paving.

After last year’s utility work cause frequent traffic backups in the summer and fall, PennDOT is working with local governments to provide regular updates on upcoming work and traffic impacts related to the project.

Travel delays may occur because of lane closures, especially during high traffic volume times.

Here’s what drivers can expect through mid-April.

– Beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday and continuing until 5 p.m. on Thursday, night and day work will take place to install a water line across North Atherton Street at several locations.

– The contractor will not perform work on Friday, in observance of Good Friday and the Easter holiday weekend. Columbia Gas, however, may conduct work on Friday.

– Water and sewer lines replacements will continue from Aaron Drive to Blue Course Drive. The line replacements will advance to Park Avenue throughout the construction season. Lane closures, which will alternate as needed, will be required for the work.

– During work at the Aaron Drive intersection, traffic will be detoured onto Martin Street.

– Beginning Monday, April 2, Verizon is expected to start relocation of overhead lines from Blue Course Drive to Cherry Lane. Lane closures will be associated with these relocations.

– Utility contractors will continue relocation work through June from Blue Course Drive to Park Avenue. Lane closures will be needed as the work progresses.

– Flaggers will be in the roadway directing traffic and traffic may be stopped for short periods of time. Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling through the work zone and to not follow construction equipment into a closed lane.

All work is weather- and schedule-dependent. Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. is the contractor for the $12.8 million project.