Turning lane project in SR promises future rewards
Slippery Rock borough residents will see short-term traffic impairment for the promise of future freedom.
In recent weeks, traffic has been restricted while Pennsylvania Department of Transportation road crews worked to install a right-hand turning lane to eastbound New Castle Street at its intersection with Main Street in Slippery Rock.
“They are running flag people, so they do have flaggers up Sunday through Friday to help with traffic flow,” said Tina Gibbs, transportation community relations coordinator.
Borough Councilman Gene Allison said the project, which began this month, is intended to lessen the burden of traffic at the intersection.
“Traffic gets backed up on New Castle Road,” Allison said. “Three times a day, it's backed up.”Allison said he has seen similar turning lane projects help with traffic concerns elsewhere.“Hopefully, this will alleviate some of that,” he said. “It's worked other places; it should work for us.”According to Gibbs, the turning lane could be completed by August, but it is only one part of a larger $3.1 million road project in the area. The larger project spans from the Interstate 79 interchange to Route 8 and involves patching, overlays, drainage and guard rail work.Gibbs said the overall project could be finished by November, but for both projects there are factors that could extend or decrease the timetable.“If we have good weather, obviously they can get the work done quicker,” Gibbs said.
