MIDDLESEX TWP — The final Route 228 improvement alternative in the township is a compromise between the straight highway recommended by the state Department of Transportation and the online version preferred by residents.

A steady stream of residents and regular Route 228 motorists on Wednesday evening attended an open house at the municipal building to see the final plans for the section of the busy highway between Old Route 8 South and the western end of Ball’s Bend.

The $24 million project, which could begin in 2021, would dip south of Allemande Drive as it crosses Harbison Road to eliminate the sweeping curve there.

The new route would then cut off Ball’s Bend and reconnect with Route 228 on the western end of the bend.

The busy, often-congested road would be widened to two lanes in each direction with turn lanes in certain areas.

PennDOT project manager Mark Rozich said a committee of residents, business owners, farmers and others was formed as a result of the unpopular alternative released in November, which cut a straight swath through the landscape from Old Route 8 South to the end of Ball’s Bend.

He said the committee’s input was considered by PennDOT engineers, who came up with an alternative that has less impact on farms and homes and more on environmental features in the area.