Work on Highland Road will improve traffic flow

The remainder of the road will be widened in 2008.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
HERMITAGE, Pa. -- Motorists can expect some short-term delays, but some very long-term improvements along Highland Road this summer.
Crews are currently moving utility lines along the stretch of Highland that begins at Buhl Farm Drive and continues about 1,000 feet west of Dutch Lane.
This spring CH & amp;D Enterprises of New Stanton will begin work on a $2,224,324 road project that will improve the intersections and widen the road, said Mike Kapp, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spokesman.
This is the first phase of a two-phase project, he said.
According to Kapp, the intersections don't meet current standards and that area has seen enough commercial growth that PennDOT believes a middle lane allowing for left turns is needed.
"This should enhance traffic flow for that entire section," he said.
Kapp noted that Clarksville Road comes into Highland at an awkward angle and that will be straightened to a 90-degree turn.
New traffic signals and curbs are also planned. There will be a pull-off area for buses as well, he said.
Done by October
Kapp said the roadwork will begin in mid-April and should be finished by October.
PennDOT is also working on designs for the remainder of Highland Road to Pa. Route 18.
That work can't come soon enough for Rita Ferringer of Best Real Estate Inc. at Dutch Lane and Highland Road.
"We really need a light at the intersection. We sit here and hold our breaths when we hear cars screeching and hope there isn't an accident," she said.
Kapp said the second phase that will widen Highland to Route 18 likely won't get underway until 2008. PennDOT is still working on obtaining land for the project.
Kapp noted that motorists will be delayed when work begins on the first phase this spring.
"It would probably be a good idea to look for alternative routes if you are in a rush," he said.
cioffi@vindy.com