County commissioners Wednesday approved an application to the state Infrastructure Bank, seeking more than $5 million to benefit the Gateway 228 project and a bridge rehabilitation program.

According to county spokesman Tom Victoria, the majority of the proposed loan — just under $3 million — would help to finance another segment of a massive project along Route 228 and Freedom Road, this time from Haine School Road to Commonwealth Drive in Cranberry Township.

The $2.99 million portion of the loan will also improve Route 228 proper, including the Balls Bend realignment project in Middlesex Township. While the county has applied for funding, an approved Infrastructure Bank loan will not have been its only source of financing for the project.

Mark Gordon, county chief of economic development and planning, said a $20 million federal grant as well as funds from a $5 county vehicle registration fee and municipal funding were other large sources of financial support.

The project on the Freedom Road segment will ultimately widen that section to four lanes, and add turning lanes, bike lanes and sidewalks.

The Balls Bend project plans to realign the “geographically dangerous” stretch of the road, eliminating curves and creating consistent elevation. Additionally, a portion of the loan funds would go toward the county's bridge rehabilitation program, helping to replace four bridges in Clinton, Concord and Clearfield townships.

The funds used for this would augment other funding from the state, which were matching funds unlocked by the county.

About $435,000 will fund Hemphill Bridge on Goldscheitter Road in Clinton Township, about $473,000 will help to replace Greece City Bridge on Old State Road in Concord Township and a combined $1.3 million will go toward both McBride Bridges on Damagro Road in Clearfield Township.