Baltimore Street Safety Improvement Project

County: York
Municipality: Glen Rock Borough
State Route: 616-014
Local Name: Baltimore Street Retaining Wall
Project Type: Safety Improvement
MPMS#: 121409
Proposed Construction Start: 2029
Proposed Construction End: 2030
Last Updated: September 2026

The proposed project consists of replacing the existing, failing stone masonry retaining wall, located along Route 616, locally known as Baltimore Street. The wall was constructed parallel to the South Branch of Codorus Creek, within the Borough of Glen Rock, York County. The project parallels the South Branch of Codorus Creek along the north side of Route 616. Bridge crossings are located at the east and west ends of the project limits. The proposed repair limits extend approximately 70 feet east of the locally owned Valley Street bridge crossing, located at the eastern end. Parallel parking spots located on the north shoulder of Route 616, between Valley Street and Main Street, are temporarily blocked due to the current wall condition.

The project will include management of stormwater, partial pavement reconstruction, mill and overlay roadways within the project limits, and new signing and pavement markings. Overhead utilities are located along the project length, crisscrossing the roadway. Water and sewer are located under the roadway. Some utilities will be temporarily relocated to perform construction. The purpose of the project is to improve the resiliency of the transportation facility by maintaining roadway support along the South Branch of Codorus Creek.

The Route 616 retaining wall contributes to the Glen Rock Historic District but has not been determined to be individually eligible. The wall was constructed in 1892, which falls within the Glen Rock Historic District period of significance from 1838 to 1945. Replacement of the wall is considered an adverse effect under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and an Individual Section 4(f) will be prepared as part of the Environmental Evaluation process.

Traffic will be detoured due to the limited space for access to perform construction and to expedite construction. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the sidewalk along the south side of Baltimore Street.

Route 616 will be detoured during construction.

The project is currently in design, and construction is expected to begin during the 2029 construction season.

The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and solicit public input, questions, or concerns regarding the project.​

Environmental

The Route 616 retaining wall contributes to the Glen Rock Historic District but has not been determined to be individually eligible. The wall was constructed in 1892, which falls within the Glen Rock Historic District period of significance from 1838 to 1945. Replacement of the wall is considered an adverse effect under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and an Individual Section 4(f) will be prepared as part of the Environmental Evaluation process.

Utilities

Overhead utilities are located along the project length, crisscrossing the roadway. Water and sewer are located under the roadway. Overhead utilities will be temporarily relocated to perform construction. Some underground utilities will be permanently relocated. Interruption of utility services will not occur during construction.

Maintenance and Protection of Traffic

Traffic will be detoured due to the limited space for access to perform construction and to expedite construction. The signed detour will follow Route 216 to Fissels Church Road (Route 315) back to Route 616, less than 6 miles. Pedestrian access will be maintained on the sidewalk along the south side of Baltimore Street.

Right-of-way

Permanent and temporary right-of-way acquisitions are anticipated to allow the construction of the project.

Schedule and Cost Estimate:

• Environmental Clearance and section 4f review – September 2026 – August 2027
• Final Design – September 2027- March 2029
• Construction Summer 2029- Spring 2030
• Total Project cost =   approximately $3.5 million