George Washington would never recognize it. Franklin road, which had been the meandering Venango trail that Washington walked to Franklin, Pennsylvania in 1753, has been transformed – at least in Cranberry Township.
On July 22, Mars Road became a signalized + intersection with the new Hillmont Drive, carrying eastbound traffic through to Seven Fields, Adams and beyond without ever touching 228 – the latest part of Cranberry’s emerging parallel road network. Hillmont will provide the main assess to the new Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School campus. As part of the project, Mars-Crider Road, whose previous connection with Mars Road was offset by about 80 yards with frequently poor visibility, will soon feature a much safer right-in/right-out only pattern at its own intersection with Franklin.
In addition, a little to the south, where it intersects 228, the enhanced Franklin Road now boasts new turning lanes on both sides of the busy highway.
Each direction will now have dedicated left, right and thru lanes of traffic as well as newly installed signals corresponding to each option.
(photo) The new Hillmont Drive, has a signalized intersection at Franklin Road. Mars road is immediately across the street. Mars Crider Road, about 80 yards to the right of this photo, becomes a right-in, right-out only road at its intersection with Franklin Road.