$13M project set for Route 252, Springton Reservoir
UPPER PROVIDENCE >> Route
252 over the Springton Reservoir is slated for a major
#13 million renovation, as well as improvements and an expansion of the dam.
The announcement from township Vice Chairman Kathy Heupler at council’s January legislative meeting, with word that preliminary work on the major project was set to begin. Bottom line? It will be a major project, and there will be disruption of a major artery in the center of the county.
The joint project of Aqua Pennsylvania and PennDOT will reconstruct the roadway across Springton Reservoir, known as Route 252 and Palmers Mill Road, as well as expand and improve the dam. An award was made by the principals to J. D. Eckman of Atglen. According to Township Manager Greg Lebold, the plan, estimated at nearly $13 million, was first seen by township officials approximately five years ago.
While project documents cite the “primary goal” to address existing deficiencies, there is no indication of unsafe conditions. However, improvement to the spillway and associated expansion of the two-lane roadway are being undertaken for current and future needs, according to information from the parties involved. Lebold said during a pre-construction meeting the township requested plans relevant to local needs, but has not yet received them.
Route 252 is heavily traveled with use by tens of thousands vehicles daily. Heupler indicated the initial phases of work will be evident as clearing of vegetation is expected to start imminently. In the next major phase, PennDOT will build a temporary roadway parallel to the existing bridge across the reservoir, which will then be reconstructed. Aqua will take the lead on dam/reservoir work. Heupler said the project is expected to take no less than two to three years.
In another announcement, Lebold said a survey has been mailed to residents to gather information to assist in completing an updated comprehensive plan. The purpose of that work is to establish guidelines for township officials and administration to consider with regard to future development and legislation.
Council held a reorganization meeting three days prior to the legislative meeting. No substantive changes were made to appointments of personnel, consultants or organizational operations.
The board also passed the second and final reading of the tax levy of 4.16 mills which was announced and approved in December.