Canal Road and Bull Road Intersection Improvement Project

County: York
Municipality: Dover & Conewago Townships
State Route: Route 0921 & Route 4001
Local Name: Canal Road and Bull Road
Project Type: Intersection Improvement
MPMS Number: 116001
Proposed Construction Start: Fall 2028
Proposed Construction End: Fall 2029
Last Updated: June 2026

The intersection of Route 0921 (East Canal Road) and Bull Road (Route 4001) is currently controlled by a four-way stop and is located in a suburban area within Dover and Conewago Townships in York County. During peak travel times, the intersection experiences heavy congestion, resulting in long delays for drivers. These traffic backups often extend eastward to the nearby intersection of E. Canal Road and Greenbriar Road (Route 4011).

To address these issues, PennDOT is proposing to replace the existing four-way stop with a single-lane roundabout. The new roundabout would be constructed slightly north of the current intersection along Bull Road. This improvement is intended to enhance traffic flow, reduce congestion, and provide a safer and more efficient means for vehicles to travel through the intersection.

In addition to the roundabout, minor operational upgrades are proposed at the intersection of E. Canal Road and Greenbriar Road to help manage traffic queues and improve overall operations within the corridor.

The project will also include the replacement and installation of drainage and stormwater management facilities, intersection lighting, driveway adjustments, updated signing and pavement markings, and other miscellaneous construction activities.

Environmental Considerations

Since the project is considered moderately complex, a Level 2 Categorical Exclusion Evaluation (CEE) is anticipated. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was completed for the project.

Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species investigations are on-going and further agency coordination and/or avoidance measures may be required for construction. Section 106 investigations are underway and coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) is on-going.

The aquatic resource investigation completed for the roundabout project area identified one stream and one wetland. The stream crosses Route 0921 east of the existing intersection and crosses Route 4001 south of the intersection. The wetland is associated with the stream segment that crosses Route 0921. Any impacts to the stream resulting from the proposed stormwater improvements will be appropriately minimized via coordination of a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) General Permit-4. No wetland impacts are anticipated.  

At this stage in the project design, the proposed earth disturbance acreage will require a National Pollutant Elimination System (NPDES) permit.

Utilities

Overhead electric and telecommunication lines are located along both sides of Route 0921 (Canal Road) and Route 4001 (Bull Road). The proposed roundabout and roadway realignment are expected to impact poles on all approaches to the intersection and will require relocations.

Gas lines were identified along each approach and through the existing intersection. Proposed grading and drainage improvements may impact the gas mains and service lines. Coordination will occur throughout the design.

Existing sewer lines are located along the southeast side of Route 4001 (Bull Road) as well as an additional sewer line beneath the west leg of Route 0921 (Canal Road). Proposed grading and drainage improvements may impact the sewer mains and service lines. Coordination will occur throughout the design.

Right-of-Way

Generally, the existing legal right-of-way widths on Route 0921 and Route 4001 vary throughout the project area. The proposed roundabout will require both permanent acquisitions and temporary right-of-way impacts. Additional right-of-way acquisitions are expected for cut/fill slopes and stormwater management facilities. Temporary construction easements will also be required for erosion and sedimentation control measures and driveway tie-ins.

Maintenance and Protection of Traffic

The project is anticipated to be constructed in multiple stages to minimize impacts to traffic operations:

• Stage 1 – Construct the offline portions of Route 0921 north of the intersection with no impacts to existing traffic patterns
• Stage 2 – Implement the Route 4001 detour and construct the northern and southern portions of Route 4001
• Stage 3A – Maintain the Route 4001 detour and implement the Route 0921 detour to construct portions of Route 0921 and Route 4001 south and east of the intersection
• Stage 3B – Maintain both detours while constructing the western portion of Route 0921 and installing proposed signing and final pavement markings
• Stage 4 – Remove both detours and complete construction at the Route 0921/Route 4011 intersection, including drainage improvements, mill and overlay operations east of the roundabout, and installation of final signing and pavement markings. This work will be completed using short-term flagging operations

Route 0921 will be detoured during Stages 3A and 3B using Route 0074, Route 0238, and Route 0181 south of the project area. The detour length is approximately 10.7 miles, resulting in an additional travel distance of approximately 2.2 miles for through traffic. Route 4001 will be detoured during Stages 2, 3A, and 3B using Route 0238, Route 4009, and Route 4018 east of the project area. The detour length is approximately 10.3 miles, resulting in an additional travel distance of approximately 3.1 miles for through traffic. Turns from Route 0921 onto closed portions of Route 4001 will be prohibited during Stage 2, with advance signing provided.

Access to all residential and commercial properties will be maintained throughout construction. Driveways within the project limits may be impacted and will be modified or reconstructed in accordance with applicable PennDOT standards and regulations. Access to all driveways will be maintained throughout the duration of construction.