HERMITAGE, PA. Route 18 work to begin after delay over bidding

The work is expected to be finished by November 2002.
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- The widening of a portion of state Route 18 from two to five lanes will begin in about a week.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced Tuesday that Lindy Paving Inc. of New Castle will start the job in early October with temporary widening, creation of drainage systems and retaining walls, and embankment construction.
The bulk of the construction will be done in the 2002 building season and be completed by November 2002.
Lindy's contract is for $6,722,598, but that's only the first part of the job.
Lindy is doing just the northern end of the project, a 1.5-mile section. PennDOT will bid out the southern end next year.
The total distance is 2.6 miles, stretching from U.S. Route 62 north to the existing four-lane section of the roadway, and has an estimated cost of $15 million.
Delay: PennDOT delayed the start of the project last month after I.A. Construction of Zelienople, the apparent low bidder, failed to submit the documentation required by the state.
PennDOT then proposed awarding the job to Lindy, the second lowest bidder, but I.A. Construction filed a protest Aug. 1.
PennDOT reviewed the protest but decided to give the job to Lindy.
There will be no lane restrictions during the daytime, but motorists are advised that crews will be working at night. There will be flaggers controlling lane restrictions from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. both this fall and next spring.