ADAMS TWP — Reverse jug handles, roundabouts, parallel access roads and a new traffic signal are all included in the plans for a 2-mile stretch of the Route 228 widening project near the Mars schools.

A steady stream of curious or concerned citizens on Thursday evening cycled through the state Department of Transportation plan presentation at the Adams Township Municipal Building.

The $22 million project will begin just west of Quality Gardens and end near the intersection of Mars-Valencia Road, where it will connect with a previous widening project.

For several years, the historical significance of the 19th century property now known as MHY Family Services — which started out as a dentist's 200-acre home and became an orphanage — precluded the state Department of Transportation from using that land in a widening project.

But Lisa Schiller, executive director of MHY Family Services, said PennDOT officials explained to her over the course of creating the project that Route 228's safety issues trump the property's historical significance.

“Of course you hate to lose land, but I understand the growth in the community,” Schiller said.

According to the plans displayed Thursday, two lanes will be added to the north side of the highway between Mars High School and MHY Family Services.

Several interesting features to facilitate traffic flow, increase safety and mesh with the township's zoning ordinance were included in the project.

For example, the end of Brickyard Road near the Mars Primary Center will be eliminated and all traffic going to those Mars schools or the west side of MHY Family Services will use a new short road that will run north and south between Route 228 and Gables Court off Brickyard Road.

A traffic signal will be added at that new intersection.

Traffic will still be able to enter the east end of MHY, but only if turning right into the property. Those leaving will be able to turn right onto Route 228.

A roundabout on the plans near MHY's school, Longmore Academy, will help circle traffic and buses around on the property.

Because no vehicles will be permitted to turn left when leaving a property on the south side of Route 228, two “reverse jug handles” were included on the plans.

In one jug handle, a vehicle looking to head west when leaving Classic Automotive near the intersection of Mars-Valencia Road would turn right onto Route 228 and proceed to the new signaled intersection, turn right into the jug handle and swing around in a circle to face west.

Likewise, traffic traveling west looking to access a business on the south side of Route 228 like the Playful Pooch will turn into another jug handle at Marland Road to swing around and head east.

Access to the Mars High School also will change if the current plan remains unaltered.

Three Degree Road on both sides of Route 228 will be widened and a turning lane added, with the south side lanes being moved east and eliminating the buildings that now house a dry cleaner, pet groomer and a few other businesses.

A large roundabout suitable for bus traffic is planned for Three Degree Road and Pine Drive so school buses and other traffic can enter the Mars High School property at the rear of the building.

The current entrances to the high school off Route 228 will be right-in, right-out only. Those traveling west on Route 228 from the school will proceed to the roundabout on Three Degree Road, swing around and head north and turn left at the traffic signal at the intersection.

In keeping with the township's plan to avoid multiple entrances directly onto Route 228, a parallel access road with a cul-de-sac will be added on the south side of Route 228 just west of the Mars Primary Center. The road will end just short of the Playful Pooch Doggie Daycare.

The purpose of the road, explained PennDOT project manager Mark Rozich, is so that the property owners must access the widened Route 228 at the new signal light and cannot pull out onto the busy road from their driveways.

The access road is a safety measure in keeping with the township's effort to prevent cars from pulling out onto Route 228, Rozich said.

Most residents who attended the event appreciated the plan as well as the plethora of PennDOT officials on hand to explain the confusing, multicolored mish mash of lines and measurements.

“Something has to be done,” said resident Marcy Bogdanich. “I think they've done a great job presenting this project.”

Andy Kuchta said the improvements to the two-lane road are long overdue.

“There is better control of access,” Kuchta said of the plans. “Instead of everyone having direct access to Route 228, it funnels everyone to the parallel access road, which is safer.”

Connie Ritzert also was pleased with the plans.

“There were a number of rumors that were a lot worse,” Ritzert said. “Anyone who lives in this area knows Three Degree is too narrow.”

She said she would like to see a longer stretch of Three Degree Road widened to accommodate school bus traffic.

Mary Beth Smetana was also glad to see the project in the works that would improve the traffic flow on Route 228.

“I just found out I won't be able to make a left turn out of my driveway,” Smetana said, “but I'm not upset about it.”

Dayle Ferguson, Mars School board president, said the lawn and parking lot at the administration building adjacent to the primary center would be affected by the plan.

“The school district was engaged in the plan process and we appreciate the collaboration with the township and PennDOT, who have kept us apprised of the plan every step of the way,” Ferguson said.

Adams Township engineer Ron Olsen appreciated all the consideration Rozich and his team afforded those impacted by the plan.

“It's important that this is not just 'make 228 more efficient,'” Olsen said. “They put a lot of thought into how to connect Route 228 and not inconvenience the school district or other property owners.”

Rozich said if all goes according to schedule, construction could start in 2020 and will likely last more than two years.

He said he received positive feedback from the majority of property owners he talked to Thursday.

“People are thrilled with the lane configurations and access roads we are building,” he said.