Work on the U.S. Route 219 Bradford Bypass will force additional
changes in traffic patterns and the closure of Mill Street starting
Monday.

On Thursday, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
announced Mascaro Construction Co. of Pittsburgh would be
continuing temporary roadway widening and guiderail work from Elm
Street to just north of the Kendall Avenue exit.

The work will force the existing northbound lane closure to
extend to that section of highway. Traffic will be using only one
lane.

Meanwhile, Mill Street in the area of the bridge will be closed
for utility and drainage work. The closure will be in effect until
further notice and traffic should use the detour around that
area.

Thus far, Mascaro has done excavating work along the Elm Street
ramps, completed milling along the northbound lanes of the highway,
relocated utilities and performed drainage work.

PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator Marla Fannin said
Thursday the actual construction work on the main portion of the
highway won’t begin until mid-May, when crews will focus on the
complete rehabilitation of the bypass and the removal of bridges in
the southbound lanes. During that time, traffic will be re-routed
onto the northbound passing lane.

“Work is progressing well,” Fannin said, noting it’s still too
early to give a determination on the project being on schedule.

When completed a few years from now, the $55 million
reconstruction of the bypass will feature a new road surface,
bridges and ramps, along with the resurfacing of North Kendall
Avenue.

Motorists are advised to watch for slow moving and stopped
vehicles in the construction area.