by Ronald Stahley, Director of Public Works

     The long awaited improvements project of Route 309 and Old Packhouse Road has entered the construction phase. The project will involve safety and intersection improvements from Daisy Avenue north to Old Packhouse Road. These improvements involve roadway widening, drainage improvements, the installation of new traffic signals and the relocation of a portion of Old Packhouse Road.

• Late November and December utility relocation took place in the project area.
  
• Drainage work along the north end of the project was started.
  
• Relocation of the KidsPeace access drive and other changes to Orchard Road were underway.
  

Goal - to relocate and align  Old Packhouse Road with Pennsylvania Drive.

• From the intersection of Route 309 and Pennsylvania Drive, a new two-lane roadway will be built in a westerly direction and intersect with Orchard Road. This will be the new relocated Old Packhouse Road. The two-lane road will be constructed with proper curves, grades and shoulders meeting current transportation standards. This work will require some traffic pattern changes and Orchard Road is the anticipated detour route.
  
• The current portion of Old Packhouse Road that runs alongside the Schnecksville Fire Company with become Ritter Court and will be used for fire company emergency egress only.
  

Goal - allow for safer turning movements within the corridor and improve convenience for residents traveling the corridor.

• Route 309 improvements begin just north of the intersection of Old Packhouse and Route 309, and continue south through the intersection of Shankweiler Road and Route 309. The widening will involve additional pavement along Route

309 strategically placed to minimize taking of private land. No dislocations of residents will occur.

• Also included are various drainage improvements to facilitate storm water flow.
  

Improvements also include installation and/or modification of traffic signals at the following Route 309 intersections:

• Ritter Court (formerly known as Old Packhouse Road alongside fire company).
  
• Pennsylvania Drive and newly aligned Old Packhouse Road.
  
• Shankweiler Road and Route 309.
  
• The Levans Road and Route 309 signal installed in 2001 will be modified to accommodate construction of additional lanes.