​Route 347, Section 253 Culvert Project

County: Lackawanna
Municipality: Scott Township
State Route: SR 347, Section 253
Local Name: Kennedy Creek
Project Type: Culvert Project
MPMS Number: lorem ipsum
Proposed Construction End: Summer 2025

The project proposes to replace and existing metal arch culvert with a new reinforced concrete box culvert. The existing culvert is experiencing deterioration with scour distress that requires corrective action to sustain a safe crossing at this location. The new culvert has been designed to match the hydraulic performance of the original culvert and maintain the existing floodplains so as not to adversely affect adjacent property owners. Roadway improvements associated with the project include full depth reconstruction in the vicinity of the culvert, providing lane and shoulder widths meeting current design criteria. Additionally, new guide rail and pavement markings will be provided throughout the project limits. Only minor utility impacts are anticipated to construct the project.

Historical or cultural resources present within the project site include a National Register Eligible Farm in the southeastern quadrant of the site. The project seeks to minimize impacts to the farm property, however, both temporary and permanent easements are necessary. Although wetlands are present in the vicinity of the project area, there will be no impacts associated with the proposed construction. In-stream construction restrictions for Kennedy Creek's wild trout designation will extend from October 1 through December 31, 2023. Additionally, no tree cutting will be allowed from May 15 through August 15 to accommodate spring staging and fall swarming habitat of the northern long-eared bat.

Traffic Control & Detours

The project is expected to be built under a 3.5-mile detour using Interstate 81, SR 347, and SR 632. For this project, the detour will be in place for approximately 1 to 2 months to complete the box culvert installation. Directions for the detour are given below:

• From the project site, proceed south on SR 347 to SR 632;
• Turn right onto SR 632 and proceed west to I-81 NB on-ramp;
• Merge onto I-81 NB and proceed north to Exit 199;
• At the end of the off-ramp, turn right onto SR 524 and proceed to SR 347; and
• Turn right onto SR 347 and proceed south to the project site.