PennDOT is telling drivers to be ready as two massive oversized loads hauling sections of Donna’s Diner lumber enter downtown Indiana today. Each piece is about 105 feet long, 14 feet wide, 15 feet tall, and weighs roughly 145,000 pounds, and the sections are scheduled to be lifted into place on the 500 block of Philadelphia Street tomorrow, with lane and sidewalk closures on tap for the big hoist.
The caravan is set for a slow, multi-county trek out of Mercer County, rolling through Lawrence, Butler and Clarion counties, then threading through Brookville and skirting Punxsutawney before heading in on Route 119 toward Indiana County. Haulers plan to wrap up the journey on Route 110, and the transport is expected to move at a minimum speed of 40 miles per hour, according to WCCS.
Why PennDOT Oversize Rules Kick In
Loads this big are not a show-up-and-drive situation; they require special hauling permits, detailed route approvals and sometimes short-term closures to keep bridges and overhead utilities out of harm’s way. PennDOT’s hauling-permit rules and load-type guidance spell out the thresholds and sign-offs for oversize, overweight and so-called super-loads, and haulers must secure permits that account for the full length, width, height and weight of the rig before they roll onto state routes, per PennDOT.
Closures, Detours And The Downtown Squeeze
To slide the diner into its new home, crews will shut down Philadelphia Street between Fourth and Sixth streets tomorrow, and the sidewalk along Philadelphia between South Coulter and South Taylor avenues will also be closed while workers set the giant sections in place. Drivers cutting through downtown are being steered to Water and School streets as detour routes and should plan on delays while the operation unfolds, WCCS reports.
About Donna’s Diner
Donna’s Diner currently serves customers out of downtown Sharon, with business listings placing the restaurant at 10 West State Street. Tripadvisor lists the Sharon address along with the diner’s operating hours.
Anyone planning to travel through the area should build in extra time, keep an eye out for pilot and escort vehicles and check state traffic tools for fresh information. PennDOT’s 511PA traveler service posts real-time alerts and traffic camera views to help drivers work around moves like this, and you can visit 511PA for up-to-the-minute conditions while following posted detours in Indiana Borough.
