CENTER TWP — The new traffic signal at the intersection of Route 8 and Benbrook Road was activated at 10 a.m. Wednesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

IA Construction Corporation and Bronder Technical Services of Franklin Township completed the project using $764,000 in federal stimulus funds while the township provided the engineering design.

Township officials thanked state officials, the Butler County Commissioners and the southwestern Pennsylvania Commission for their pursuit of funds for the project.

SLIPPERY ROCK TWP — Beginning April 4, the Dougherty's Mills Bridge that carries Route 173 over Slippery Rock Creek will be closed for replacement.The bridge will be replaced by a two-lane, single span bridge with accompanying approach work, drainage and guide rail construction.The work is scheduled to be done in July, according to a news release from the state Department of Transportation.Local traffic will have access to Route 173, but through traffic will be required to use a detour during construction.The detour begins at the intersection of Route 8 and Route 173, taking drivers from Route 8 to Route 108 before returning to Route 173.The $2.82 million project is being done by Mekis Construction of Fenelton.For information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district10

CLAY TWP — The Mahood Road Bridge was closed indefinitely on Wednesday due to structural damage caused by deterioration, PennDOT announced on Thursday.The bridge carries Mahood Road over the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad tracks.A posted detour will take drivers along Route 308, Route 138 and Route 8 before returning to Mahood Road.For information, visit www.dot.state.pa.us/district10

Anyone wishing to make a donation to the local disaster relief fund for storm-related damages occurring Wednesday in Hempfield, should either check the Westmoreland County American Red Cross website at WestRed.org, call 724-834-6510 or mail a check to: American Red Cross, 351 Harvey Road, Suite B, Greensburg, PA 15601.