Contractor Mobilizing for Large Scale Construction to Start in Late Summer

PennDOT’s contractor, Leeward Construction, is mobilizing equipment and conducting surveys to lay out the line and grade for the improvements that will be constructed under the third and final stage of the Marshalls Creek Traffic Relief Project.

Full-scale construction is expected to begin in later summer, at the end of the spawning season for the Iron Colored and Bridle Shiners that make their home in the Marshalls Creek. Under terms of the project’s Environmental Document, no work may take place in or disturb the waterway during spawning season. PennDOT funded a breeding program for the fish during the Preliminary Design Phase of the project.  The purpose of the breeding program was to study the fish and provide a population for reintroduction to the stream if necessary.

Stage 3 improvements include relocating Route 209 as a two lane highway around Marshalls Creek along with intersection improvements on several secondary roads in Smithfield and Middle Smithfield townships.

Stage 1 construction included improvements at several intersections (Route 209 and Buttermilk Falls Road, Buttermilk Falls Road and River Road, and Route 209 and River Road) along the existing Route 209 corridor along with improvements to Oak Grove Drive and circulatory roads in the White Birch Estates. Stage 1 construction was completed in 2007.

Stage 2 construction included a 400-plus-space Park-and-Ride Lot on Route 209 located at the intersection with Mt. Nebo Road/Oak Grove Drive; a relocated section of Oak Grove Drive – which included construction of a new bridge carrying the relocated roadway over Pond Creek; a new signalized intersection at realigned Oak Grove Drive and Route 209; and various improvements to the storm water management system along Route 209 north of Marshalls Creek. Stage 2 construction was completed in 2009.