16/11 intersection work begins

One of the busiest intersections in the Greencastle-Antrim community is about to get more congested, but the end result will bring about travel improvements for the Route 16/U.S. 11 crossroads.

PennDOT District 8 has announced that crews began work this week on the Route 16/U.S. 11 intersection. It is widening the roads to add three right turn lanes. Work is expected to take a year to complete with some disruption of the flow of traffic.

PennDOT awarded a $1,388,582 contract to Valley Quarries, a division of New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. in New Enterprise, Bedford County. The contract includes drainage pipe and inlet work, curb cut work to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, roadway widening and reconstruction, resurfacing, sign installation, traffic signal upgrades and new traffic lines.

“The first step is to remove a sign and air compressor at Sheetz,” said PennDOT media contact Mike Crochunis. “Then we’ll relocate utility lines, which takes some time. Drainage work follows.”

Crews will work during the day, although Columbia Gas is still finishing its project of replacing gas lines at night. The contract runs through mid-November 2013, but Crochunis said weather permitting, final paving could be done much earlier. That part could be done at night to minimize the impact on motorists.

Drivers should watch for any disruptions to traffic. Work will continue until hard weather sets in, then crews will return in the spring. Flagmen will direct traffic when necessary, which could mean single lane restrictions.

“We’ll be working off the street, but there could be sight distance issues because of equipment in the way,” Crochunis continued.

The improvement to the intersection came about due to planning partners including the Borough of Greencastle, Franklin County, and political representatives.

“We decided we could move forward with the funds available, and for safety issues,” said Crochunis. “It’s a congested intersection.”