CLEARFIELD – Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., visited the Route 22/322 Lewistown Narrows to mark the imminent completion of the roadway phase of the project.
“For more than 30 years, engineers studied ways to build a modern, four-lane highway through the Lewistown narrows,” Biehler said during the announcement at the new fish and boat area that is under construction along the Juniata River. “The narrows presented some tough obstacles, but we worked together to overcome them and we are pleased to be opening this project ahead of schedule.”
There has been one lane of traffic in each direction during construction of the $142 million, three-section project. Work on the first section started in April 2002.
A second eastbound lane opened on Nov. 21, which marked the first time that two lanes of traffic in one direction had gone through the narrows. The second westbound lane — the final and fourth lane — is expected to open before the end of the year.
The original schedule called for completion in fall 2008. Now, all elements of the project, including the Canal Park and boat access to the Juniata River, are to be complete in late spring 2008.
Information on the project can be found online.