PennDOT announces online plans display for Route 997 project in Washington Township

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced Monday that they are seeking the public's input on the Route 997 (Anthony Highway) and Route 2015 (Orchard Road / Tomstown Rd) intersection improvements project, according to a press release.

The project, located just north of Waynesboro in Franklin County, is being undertaken to increase safety along this section of Route 997. The project includes the construction of two new roundabouts on Route 997. The first is located at the intersection of Route 2015 (Orchard Rd / Tomstown Road) and the second is located at the future intersection of Washington Township Boulevard.

Access to businesses and residences will be maintained at all times. Traffic along Route 997 will be maintained, with single-lane flagging operations planned for short periods of work. Tomstown Road will be permanently closed early in construction. Orchard Road and Washington Township Boulevard may be detoured for short periods during construction, according to the release.

The project is currently in design and construction work is anticipated to begin in the early spring of 2022.

In accordance with Governor Wolf's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the plans display will be held online only. A digital version of the information is available to view online.

More:511PAConnect will warn motorists of major jams

More:Chambersburg Police to take part in aggressive driving enforcement

The online plans display's purpose 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.

Information, including roadway plans and a survey form, can be found at: https://www.dewberry.com/services/transportation/sr-997-at-orchard-road-tomstown-road-intersection-improvements-virtual-plans-display.

Carley Bonk is a Watchdog Reporter for the USA Today Network - Pennsylvania. Her coverage spans across the southcentral region of Pennsylvania. She can be reached at cbonk@publicopinionnews.com or on Twitter at @carls_marie.