The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to an online plan display regarding 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 paving through the project limits 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.
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.
The public comment period for this project is through August 8, 2025.
Information, including bridge plans and an interactive comment form, can be found by visiting the PennDOT District 8 website, PennDOT District 8, clicking Projects Near You listed on the left side of the page, then the District 8 Projects, and Buchanan Trail West Embankment Stabilization.
The purpose of the plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding any questions or concerns with the project. It is also an opportunity for the public to review and comment on the project’s potential effect upon Cultural Resources pursuant to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation’s 36 CFR Part 800 regulations implementing Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, please contact Ryan Shoemaker, Project Manager, at (717) 775-8638 or email at [email protected].
Pursuant to 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 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891 or 800-468-4201.
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following local alerts on X.
