CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — After years of planning, Chambersburg Borough officials have announced the start of major storm sewer system improvements tied to the Southgate Redevelopment Initiative.
Borough Council recently awarded contracts to Scott’s Hauling & Excavating Inc. to complete the work. The project will be funded through a grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers along with bond financing secured by the borough’s storm sewer utility.
The project includes a series of infrastructure upgrades and site changes aimed at improving stormwater management and supporting long-term redevelopment of the Southgate Shopping Center area.
Among the planned improvements is the demolition of the former Chambersburg Beauty School building at the corner of West Washington and Cedar streets. The site will be converted into a stormwater bio-retention area designed to manage runoff and reduce flooding risks.
Significant roadway changes are also planned. Water Street, between West Washington and West Catherine streets, will be permanently closed to vehicle traffic. The existing rail trail and roadway in that section will be removed to make way for a new storm sewer system. Following completion of underground work, the area will be redeveloped into an enhanced linear park along the rail trail corridor.
Construction crews will also remove the existing storm sewer system beneath the shopping center parking lot and install new infrastructure under Water Street and West Washington Street, extending to the current outfall at Conococheague Creek.
Additional improvements include the construction of a cul-de-sac on West Liberty Street at Water Street and the full development of Cedar Street between West Washington and West Catherine streets. That project will include new storm sewer infrastructure, curbs and sidewalks, improving both drainage and pedestrian accessibility.
Borough officials acknowledged that construction will create temporary disruptions for businesses, shoppers and nearby residents. To address these concerns, the borough has developed a guide and map outlining detours for vehicles, pedestrians and delivery traffic to help minimize impacts during the project.
The stormwater upgrades are a key component of the broader Southgate Redevelopment Initiative, a partnership between the borough and the Chambersburg Area Municipal Authority. The long-term vision is to transform the shopping center into a mixed-use neighborhood while preserving the area’s character and community identity.
Officials said the improvements will lay the groundwork for future development while addressing longstanding infrastructure needs in the area.
Southgate Infrastructure Project Guide and Map Spring 2026.pdf
Sourced via CRIMEWATCH®: https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/franklin/chambersburg-pd/21193/post/southgate-shopping-center-redevelopment
