Cars drive by the Route 228 construction site near the intersection with Route 8 on Tuesday. Mars Area School District hired Christina Smith as the new transportation director Tuesday. The district straddles Route 228, and the board hopes Smith will help manage necessary transitions as construction continues.

MARS — The drive for a new transportation director has come to an end, according to Mars Area School Board in a special meeting Tuesday morning.

The move to hire Christina Smith to replace retiring transportation director Jane Roth came at a monumental time, according to district leaders.

“We have a big challenge in front of us with the (Route) 228 project coming,” said John Kennedy, board president. “I think she's ready for that challenge.”

Straightening Route 228 in the area of Balls Bend is part of the Route 228 corridor project, a miles-long initiative to improve infrastructure from Route 8 through Cranberry Township and into Beaver County.

Under the direction of PennDOT, construction began in March on Balls Bend in Middlesex Township.The project will widen that curvy stretch of Route 228 significantly in an effort to make it safer for drivers to navigate.The district, which has school buildings on both sides of Route 228 in Adams Township, will see an impact on traffic flow during construction.Board members expressed their excitement over having Smith on board to help manage any necessary transitions as well as normal busing needs.“I think we're going to have a great transport director with Mrs. Smith,” Kennedy said.Mark Gross, superintendent, said the district is pleased to be ending the search for a new director. The board accepted Roth's retirement notice in June 2020.“We're excited to finally end the process for the search,” Gross said. “(Smith) has a lot of enthusiasm.”Gross said Smith's tentative start date is May 17. This allows the district to transition from Roth to Smith.“We're looking forward to her coming as soon as possible,” Gross said.Smith was approved by the board, with salary and benefits totaling $95,461.Board members Megan Lenz and Anthony DePretis were absent during the proceedings.

An excavator moves dirt at the Route 228 construction site near the intersection with Route 8 Tuesday. When complete the project will straighten the road and add additional lanes.