Motorists in Armstrong County should prepare for a major changes in their daily commute as PennDOT begins for major roadway changes related to the Margaret Road Intersection Improvement Project in Plumcreek Township. Starting August 19, Route 422 will see new traffic patterns as the transition to a newly aligned route gets underway, potentially causing delays, especially in the early hours, as reported by PennDOT.
These changes are part of a broader effort to improve traffic flow and safety along the Route 422 corridor, this transition will be marked by the closure of Margaret Road, Old Route 422, and Cherry Run Road at their intersections with Route 422 from August 19 through November 15, during which, it will not be possible for traffic to access Route 422 from Margaret Road or Cherry Run Road. PennDOT has advised the public to take alternate routes: Margaret Road detours via Route 85 to Route 210 to Route 422, while Cherry Run Road traffic will be redirected toward Mount Union Church Road, Girty Road, eventually rejoining Route 422.
The upgrades stemming from this $25 million project, which include a two-span bridge over Cherry Run and a concrete box culvert, aim to resolve long-standing issues with sight distance and geometric issues on this section of Route 422 between Indiana and Kittanning. By replacing the four-way intersection with a more efficient T-intersection located to the west of the current junction, the new design promises a safer, more navigable path for commuters and trucks alike.
In addition to the reconfigured intersection, the project—carried out by Pittsburgh-based Plum Contracting, Inc.—will see the introduction of new stormwater management facilities and wetland areas, intended to buttress the infrastructure against Pennsylvania's varied climate conditions, expected to reach completion in June 2025, this initiative was made possible through funding from the Surface Transportation Program (STP), which supports a wide array of transportation endeavors, including the maintenance and improvement of federal-aid highways, bridges, tunnels, and public transit systems.
Residents and travelers through Plumcreek Township can look forward to a smoother and more efficient driving experience upon the project's completion. For ongoing updates and further details about the intersection improvements and detours, motorists are encouraged to visit the PennDOT District 10 website.
