Lehigh Times

This week the administration of Gov. Tom Wolf discussed 133 projects that will either start or continue this year in south central Pennsylvania, which pertain to fixing regional roads and bridges though funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

The improvements include nearly 123 miles of paving and repair or replacement of 80 bridges, a March 30 release from the governor said. This is through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 8 region including Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York. 

“President (Joe) Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making an immediate impact on Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges by accelerating infrastructure projects throughout the commonwealth,” Wolf said. “South central Pennsylvania will see an estimated $297 million worth of infrastructure projects continue, begin, or go out to bid this construction season. These projects are vital to ensuring the people who live and work in Pennsylvania have safe, modern and efficient transportation network.”

During 2022, the BIL will bring at least $55.6 million in additional funds to be allocated by the transportation department and its Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organization partners. This includes Adams County Office of Planning and Development receiving $2.7 million; $3 million to Franklin County Planning Department; $23.6 million to Harrisburg Area Transportation Study; $15.9 million to the Lancaster County Planning Commission; $2.6 million to the Lebanon County Planning Department; and $7.8 million to the York Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.

There are a variety of different projects that have started and will continue this year. One is the resurfacing of Interstate 81 amounting to $26.5 million. This is in Southampton, Shippensburg, South Newton and Penn townships in Cumberland County. There will also be $19.4 million toward Route 15 resurfacing and safety improvement projects in Frankiin and Carroll of York County, as well as Huntington and Latimore townships of Adams County. 

There are many more projects that have begun or are beginning this year, and have a wide range starting at about $3 million with the Lime Street resurfacing project in Lancaster. One of the most notable projects is the Centerville Road interchange improvement project in East Hempfield Township in Lancaster County at $19.7 million, followed by the Centerville Road Widening Project from Route 23 to Route 462 in East Hempfield, which was at $13.3 million.

“Additional federal funding is welcome as we face the challenges of modernizing and maintaining one of the nation’s largest transportation systems,” Acting Deputy Secretary for Highway Administration Mike Keiser said. “PennDOT will leverage these funds to advance projects that will improve safety and mobility in south central Pennsylvania and the state.”

The projects will be ongoing and officials are asking motorists to adhere to driving laws and speed limits, pay close attention to signs and flaggers, and use caution with headlights in construction areas.

Log onto 511pa.com or call 5-1-1 for more information including traffic delays, weather, speed information and access to 1,000 traffic cameras.