Preliminary work has begun to widen part of Rochester Road and upgrade a traffic signal pole and pedestrian crossings on Route 19 and Wisconsin Way.

CRANBERRY TWP — Work to widen a portion of Rochester Road in the township is set to begin, after wicked winter weather delayed the project.

The project includes widening of Rochester Road to add an additional eastbound lane, as well as the widening of a bridge over Coal Run. According to the township, all widening work will take place on the north side of the road, beginning roughly 1,200 feet west of Route 19.

The additional lane will allow traffic from Rochester Road and Wisconsin Way to turn left at the same time, resulting in time savings for motorists.

A traffic signal pole on the northwest corner of the road, as well as pedestrian crossings on Route 19 and Wisconsin Way, will be upgraded to meet ADA standards. Drainage, guardrail, sidewalk and other work is included in the overall scope of the project.

According to Kelly Mauer, township project engineer, work was originally expected to begin in April, but winter weather did not permit utility relocation work to be done.

On Monday, one left turning lane heading north on Route 19 was shut down to allow that work to begin.

Mauer said pipeline relocation should take a few weeks, with the project getting under way once that is completed.

Once contractor Michael Facchiano Construction begins work on the project, traffic will be maintained.

Crews will be working overnight, between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m., during which lanes on Rochester Road and Wisconsin Way will be narrowed, and any lane closures will be scheduled.