The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to provide feedback on a proposed project to improve and construct new sidewalk and pedestrian connectivity on Route 18 between Highland Road and the Valley YMCA in the City of Hermitage, Mercer County.
The proposed plan includes specific improvements to provide safety and connectivity for pedestrians as well as ease of access in an area previously not connected.
The project will include approximately 1,116 feet of new concrete sidewalk on the western side of Route 18. It will require minimal grading changes, as well as a small retaining wall in order to create and maintain ADA accessibility.
Additionally, project includes ADA-complaint curb ramps, traffic sign realignments and relocations, as well as right-of-way acquisitions and existing driveway repairs.
No detours are expected, through drivers may encounter lane restriction and traffic controlled by flaggers as needed throughout the project.
Work is expected to occur in the 2026 construction season.
The estimated cost of the project is $250,000 to $500,000. The project is being funded through the federal Transportation Alternatives Set Aside (TASA) program with the City of Hermitage serving as the sponsor.
Feedback can be given through the online comment form or by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Kyle Barker at 814-678-7166, kybarker@pa.gov, or 255 Elm Street, Oil City, PA 16301.
The purpose of the public comment period is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The project documents will be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Kyle Barker, PennDOT Project Manager, at 814-678-7166.
Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Find PennDOT news for the northwest region on X or Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov
# # #
