A $4.8 million road improvement project in downtown Coudersport is continuing with temporary alternating traffic patterns in place.
The work, which got underway last year, is expected to run through November 2017, said Pennsylvania Department of Transportation press officer Marla Fannin. The project, which spans U.S. Route 6 from West Street to Ludwig Lane, will mean an improved road surface, sidewalk improvements and bridge repairs.
Coudersport Borough Manager Bev Morris said the work appears to be on schedule, and workers are on the project four, 10-hour days.
The project is a long-time coming –– 3 to 3 ½ years of planning, and Morris said there are no downsides to the work. Potter County Commissioner Paul Heimel agrees.
“There’s obviously an inconvenience that goes with such a large-scale public works project, but look at the benefits,” he said. “It’s a tough blow to many of the downtown businesses, some of which have been hanging in there during an extended economic recession in hopes of a rebound. But they have already proven that they are resilient and, by and large, they’re committed to making the best of it.”
The project is weather and schedule dependent. The contractor is Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. of State College. Initial work for this year will include removal of existing storm drain lines.
All told, the work includes road reconstruction, drainage improvements, bridge rehabilitation, traffic signal upgrades, water line relocation, pavement markings and miscellaneous items.
“One lane of traffic will be maintained at all times, with an alternating traffic pattern controlled by traffic signals,” PennDOT officials said. “Opposing traffic will use short, local detours. Availability of parking in the downtown area will be reduced. Drivers should also be prepared for travel delays in and around Coudersport.”
Morris said she is looking forward to the completion of the project, adding that “town sorely needs this improved.”
In the meantime, Morris urges people to be alert as the road work continues.
“When this work wraps up later this year, downtown Coudersport will have new water and sewer line infrastructure, a reconstructed and stabilized highway with a smooth surface, much-improved drainage, new curbing and sidewalks in some areas, two reconditioned bridges, and other improvements,” Heimel said. “It’s a multi-million dollar investment in the community and perhaps it will generate a ripple effect of downtown revitalization.”
