The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to provide input on a proposed short-term detour in connection with the Route 62/322 (Liberty Street) improvement project in the City of Franklin, Venango County.
The project will include resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of the existing pavement and roadway, intersection improvements, and signal updates on Route 62/322 (Liberty Street and 15th Street) from the intersection of 15th Street (Route 8) and Mercer Road (Route 62) in Sandycreek Township to the intersection of Liberty Street (Route 322) and 8th Street (Route 322).
The project will also include minor intersection widening to accommodate truck off-tracking at 15th Street and intersection improvements at 12th Street intersection to reduce pedestrian crossing lengths and improve the geometry of the roadway.
In order to complete a full reconstruction of the roadway near the intersection of Liberty Street and 15th Street from 14th Street to Chestnut Street, PennDOT is proposing a four-day detour during the project.
A 42.9-mile truck detour would be posted using Route 62, Route 173, and Route 322 through Sandy Lake and Cochranton. The 4.6-mile car detour would be posted using Bully Hill Road (Route 3021), Congress Hill Road (Route 3021), Pone Lane (Route 3021), and Route 8 (15th Street).
The purpose of the project is to provide reliable and efficient transportation facilities for all motorized traffic as well as pedestrians and bicyclists.
The contract is expected to be awarded in early 2026. Work is expected to start later that year.
The public may view maps of the detour plans for the 62/322 Improvement Project online through at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1. Information can be found under the Projects Near You option located at the top of the webpage. The project page also includes an online comment form and digital copies of the documents shared during the previous public meeting.
Those unable to access the information online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Steve Schettler at sschettler@pa.gov or +1 (814) 678-7356.
The purpose of the comment period and project webpage 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 Steve Schettler, PennDOT Project Manager at sschettler@pa.gov or +1 (814) 678-7356.
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.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, jharry@pa.gov or 814-678-5035