New ramps linking Rt. 228 to I-79, which have been underway for more than a year, have begun serving traffic, according to Township Engineering Director Jason Kratsas. On April 1, a new exit ramp onto 228 for southbound traffic leaving I-79 opened for business, along with its associated traffic signals and turning lanes. When the remaining ramp work concludes in another 6 to 8 weeks, all connecting traffic between 228 and I-79 will be conducted through right turns.
About a mile to the east, new turning lanes are being added to Franklin Road as part of the North Catholic high school project which will also involve a realignment of Mars Road at a newly signalized intersection with Franklin.
To the west, a project adding new left turning lanes to Freedom Road and Rt. 228 at their intersection with Rt. 19 has also just begun. Initial preparatory work will be followed in about two weeks with overnight construction, Sundays through Thursdays, to minimize daytime traffic congestion. Work is expected to be completed by November.
In a separate project, the Turnpike Commission will be replacing its Thorn Hill Turnpike bridge this summer. Rerouting traffic that normally takes that bridge will be a challenge, particularly in light of the other construction nearby, Kratsas acknowledged. For more information, contact Jason Kratsas at Jason.kratsas@cranberrytownship.org.