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    District 8 Projects - Franklin County

    Buchanan Trail West Embankment Stabilization

    Project Status

    Step 2 of 4

    Design

    Next Step:  Construction

    Public Outreach

    Virtual Plans Display

    ​The virtual plans display will be available online from July 7, 2025 through August 8, 2025. 

    Public Comment Period

    The public comment period, where the community is encouraged to respond with questions and concerns will be from July 7, 2025 through August 8, 2025

    Submit a Comment

    Project Overview

    County: Franklin
    Municipality: Peters Township
    State Route: Route 16
    Local Name: Buchanan Trail West
    Project Type: Embankment Stabilization
    MPMS Number: 121390
    Proposed Construction Start: Winter 2026
    Proposed Construction End: Spring 2026
    Last Updated: July 2025

    This is an embankment stabilization project on Route 16 (Buchanan Trail West) in Peters Township, Franklin County.

    This project involves making embankment repairs to ensure the continued roadway stability of Buchanan Trail West over Tuscarora Mountain. The proposed work will include removal of the failing stone masonry retaining wall and embankment stabilization via soil nailing and geosynthetic reinforcement. The existing stone masonry retaining wall was constructed in 1930 and is approximately 183 feet long. There will also be roadway work involving paving through the project location as well as drainage improvements. Acquisition of temporary construction easement will be required along the eastern edge of the existing right of way for contractor access to complete the work. 

    During construction, Buchanan Trail West will be closed to traffic between Route 456 (Little Cove Road) and the top of Tuscarora Mountain. A full detour will be implemented to complete the work. It is anticipated the detour will be in place for twelve consecutive weeks. Please refer to the project detour graphic in Resources tile.

    The project is scheduled to be bid for construction in Winter of 2025 with construction estimated to take place in the Winter/Spring 2026 construction season. The estimated construction cost is $1,000,000. 

    Contact Information

    Ryan Shoemaker
    Project Manager
    717-775-8638
    ryshoemake@pa.gov

    David M. Thompson
    Media Contact
    (717) 787-1446
    dmthompson@pa.gov

    Accessibility

    The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the Manager listed above.

    Title VI

    Pursuant to the 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 PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.