Overview
In the 2024 construction season, two separate embankment stabilization projects will take place on Route 44 in Watson and Cummings townships, Lycoming County. Both projects will stabilize multiple areas of embankment concerns between Torbert Lane in Watson Township and Waterville in Cummings Township.
EQT Partnership Project
44-103 – North of Route 973
Project Overview
An embankment stabilization project administered through a partnership between EQT Production Company and PennDOT is anticipated to begin early July 2024 between Route 973 in Watson Township and Waterville in Cummings Township.
This project involves the stabilization of 18 embankment areas using a combination of geosynthetic reinforced soil, soil nailing, and soldier pile and lagging walls. Additional work includes paving, line painting, and guide rail upgrades. Traffic will be maintained using single lane with a combination of temporary traffic signals and flagging where work is being performed. Motorists should expect traffic delays and wait times where work is being performed.
Work is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2025. The construction cost is $9.3 million.
This project is funded through the Upgrade Partnership Program.
EQT Production Company and PennDOT share the cost of the project.
Partnership Project Update
August 22, 2024 UPDATE
The embankment stabilization projects have started on Route 44 between 0.5 mile to 2 miles south of Waterville in Cummings Township.
- On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the contractor began work on the guide rail stabilization areas south of Waterville.
- On Thursday, August 22, 2024, the contractor will be installing temporary barriers along the center line starting approximately 0.5 mile to 2 miles south of Waterville in Cummings Township.
- Two temporary traffic signals will be installed throughout the work zone and placed in full operation mode.
- Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
- The week of Monday, August 26, 2024, the contractor will begin construction of one of the three soldier pile walls. Work includes drilling through the soil into the bedrock, installing, and cementing beams and concrete wall tiles to stabilize the embankment.
- Motorists can expect delays in travel while the drilling is taking place. During drilling operations, the temporary traffic signals will be placed into flash mode and traffic will be controlled by flagging.
- The temporary traffic signals will be placed back to full operation mode when drilling is not taking place.
Work on Route 44 between Route 220 and Torbert Lane, Watson Township.
- Work on Route 44 between Route 220 and Torbert Lane in Watson Township has been rescheduled and will take place after Labor Day.
August 15, 2024 UPDATE
Work on Route 44 between Route 220 and Torbert Lane, Watson Township
- (POSTPONED TILL SEPTEMBER) The contractor will be performing shoulder back up between Route 220 and Torbert Lane in Watson Township. Work will be performed during daylight hours.
- (WORK COMPLETED) The week of Monday, August 19, 2024, the contractor will continue perform milling, and resurfacing between Route 220 and Torbert Lane in Watson Township, Lycoming County.
- (POSTPONED TILL SEPTEMBER) The contractor will install the new guide rail throughout the newly resurfaced area. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Motorists should expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
August 7, 2024 UPDATE
- (WORK COMPLETED) On Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and Thursday, August 1, 2024, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., will begin patchwork. Work will be performed between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
- (WORK COMPLETED) The week of Monday, August 5, 2024, the contractor will begin guide rail removal in preparation for milling and resurfacing. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
July 17, 2024 Update
Work on this project began on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The contractor began drainage work, tree clearing, erosion and sediment control, and survey work. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
PennDOT Project
44-86S – South of Route 973
Project Overview
PennDOT has contracted with HRI, Inc., a private contractor, to complete work on an embankment stabilization project along Route 44 between Torbert Lane and Tombs Run in Watson Township. Work includes stabilizing the existing embankment using a combination of soil nailing, wire mesh, and rock armoring. Additional work includes paving, line painting, and guide rail upgrades. Traffic will be maintained using a single lane with a temporary traffic signal. Work began in the spring of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2025. The construction cost is $11.8 million.
This project is being funded with Federal Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program monies from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation.
Traffic Impacts on the PennDOT Project
Work on this project began in the spring of 2024. Motorists can expect single lane conditions controlled with a temporary traffic signal.