Freedom Road project rightfully celebrated, result of proper planning
As the completion of the Freedom Road Expansion Project was recognized on Tuesday, Oct. 14, Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche said the project was the result of “taking advantage of opportunities when they were in front of us.”
She and other leaders from the county, region and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation gathered to celebrate the completion of the second phase of the multiyear initiative that started in 2022.
The project was the result of a $25 million U.S. Department of Transportation Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant in 2020.
The project modernizes the east-west route that connects Butler and Beaver counties. It features new turning lanes, upgraded traffic signals and an overall widening of the road between Haine School and Powell roads.
If ever a reason to cut a ribbon, this is it.
First, there’s the immediate reason to cheer. Who doesn’t like to celebrate the end of roadwork and more consistent traffic patterns? The work, led by Gulisek Construction, is expected to wrap up in its entirety in November.
But the real reason to celebrate is the long-term impact. Though the roadwork may have felt frustrating at times, people like Bruce Hezlep, chairman of the Cranberry Township supervisors, anticipate a noticeable impact on economic activity in the area.
“A lot of people are looking for a community like Cranberry to live in, but they don’t want to live in a community if it’s hard to get to work,” Hezlep said.
Kudos to those who saw the opportunity and acted. Now, Butler County will reap the rewards.
— TL
