The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to view the plans for a project to improve the safety of the intersection of Route 518 and Mercer Avenue in Sharpsville Borough, Mercer County.
Proposed improvements at Route 518 (South Walnut Street) and Mercer Avenue (Route 3025) include replacing existing traffic signal equipment and widening Route 518 to add dedicated left turn lanes.
The project will also include radii improvements and ADA pedestrian improvements, including new pedestrian signal equipment, at all corners. Work will also include drainage upgrades, milling, paving, sign updates, and roadway paint.
Work is expected to occur during the 2027 construction season.
Plans call for construction to be completed in two phases.
Phase 1 – During this phase widening work will be done to Route 518 on the northern side of the intersection. A detour will be needed for Mercer Avenue north of the intersection. The proposed detour is under a half mile and uses Line Street and Route 518. Pedestrians will be temporarily redirected to the southern side of Route 518.
Phase 2 – During this phase widening work will be done to Route 518 on the southern side of the intersection. A detour will be needed for Mercer Avenue south of the intersection. The proposed 2.2-mile detour route use Hazen Street (Route 3016), South Seventh Street (Route 3025) and Route 518. Pedestrians will be temporarily redirected to the northern side of Route 518.
The project plans also call for use of temporary lane restrictions with traffic controlled by flaggers.
The public may also view the plans for the Route 518 and Mercer Avenue Intersection Safety Project online through at www.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1. Information can be found under the Projects Near You option located at the top of the webpage. The project page includes digital copies of the project fact sheet, proposed plans, and an online comment form.
Those unable to access the information online may give feedback by contacting PennDOT Project Manager Mike Hunkele at mhunkele@pa.gov or 814-678-7173.
The purpose of the plans display 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 Mike Hunkele, PennDOT Project Manager, at mhunkele@pa.gov or 814-678-7173.
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.pa.gov/DOTDistrict1.
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MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, jharry@pa.gov or 814-678-5035