PennDOT provides update on Frackville/St. Clair Grade project, begins land acquisition
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - A portion of Route 61 South between Frackville and Saint Clair is seen in 2020.
FRACKVILLE – The planned realignment of the stretch of Route 61 known as the Frackville/St. Clair Grade, is moving forward and is expected to begin early next year.
PennDOT has begun the land acquisition process for the new alignment, and is set to meet with affected property owners to discuss either a full or partial acquisition.
That process began last week with the first step in eminent domain proceedings, a “Notice of Condemnation And Deposit of Estimated Just Compensation” published in a local newspaper.
Ron Young, district press officer for PennDOT’s District 5, said the project will realign a 4.5 mile stretch of Route 61 between Saint Clair and Frackville and will include some safety improvements, such as a traffic signal and turn lanes at Darkwater Road.
The project will cost between $113 Million and $117 Million and is largely funded by traditional transportation funds from the state and federal governments, in addition to a $21 Million federal Infrastructure For Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant.
“If all goes smoothly, PennDOT anticipates placing a contract out for bidding in mid-to-late fall with a contract award in late 2023 or early 2024,” Young told the Sentinel. “The project is anticipated to begin with tree clearing in early 2024. Construction on the project is anticipated to last through 2028.”
PennDOT plans to widen and straighten sections of the highway, including “dead man’s curve” on Route 61 South, as well as the S-curves near Darkwater to improve safety.
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I hope so but I will believe it when it happens