Latest news with #JillHarry
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
PennDOT considering 12-month Bayfront Pkwy. closure to avoid project delays
PennDOT officials have announced setbacks in the Bayfront Parkway Improvement Project, which could delay its completion from 2027 to 2029. The project, which began construction in 2023, has encountered unexpected underground challenges, prompting PennDOT to consider closing a section of the Parkway for 12 to 14 months to recover lost time. PennDOT to host open house, answer questions regarding Bayfront Parkway project 'One of those things was the way we wanted to route the underground utilities under the bayfront near State Street,' said Jill Harry, PennDOT Press Officer for District 1. 'We had to pick a different path than our original plan. It was quite a bit longer, so that process has taken us longer than anticipated.' PennDOT is considering closing the Parkway from Holland to Sassafras Streets after Labor Day, which would include the section where drivers access the Parkway at State Street. This closure is proposed to last 12 to 14 months, with partial reopening expected in the fall of 2026. Access to Bayfront businesses and attractions will remain available during the construction, but PennDOT advises that through traffic and pedestrians use alternate routes to avoid congestion. PennDOT planning to demolish Girard bridge over I-90 PennDOT plans to present their updated plans to the public on Thursday at the Erie Port Authority from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Jill Harry encourages the public to attend, stating, 'You can look at the maps for the detour and things like that, but the best part is that you can talk one-on-one with a member of our team with concerns or questions that you have.' The proposed detour for through traffic is 12th Street, or Route 5, while West Front Street or East Front Street should be used for accessing waterfront businesses and amenities. PennDOT is discouraging through traffic on these streets to ensure access for local deliveries and business access. In addition to keeping the project's timeline in check, PennDOT estimates that the closure plan could save approximately $8 million. Albion resident speaks about historic F4 tornado 40 years later With these adjustments, PennDOT aims to mitigate delays and maintain access to local businesses, while saving costs and ensuring the project's timely completion. More information on the Bayfront Parkway Project is available on the PennDOT All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WJET/WFXP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WJET/WFXP staff before being published. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bayfront construction wrapping up, business owners ready
For months, construction at the Bayfront Parkway and State Street has caused detours for drivers looking to access Dobbins Landing and various bayfront attractions. But according to PennDOT, that might not be the case for much longer. As we speak, crews are finishing up work in connection with moving utilities underground at the intersection, but soon, the road will reopen. Barriers, traffic cones, detour signs, and heavy machinery on the waterfront portion of State Street and Dobbins Landing continue to mark the intersection's closure to drivers. PennDOT offers update on Bayfront construction PennDOT has been working on and around the intersection since December to advance their multi-year Bayfront Parkway Corridor Project. And while access to Dobbins Landing and other attractions was available, it still caused confusion for some visitors. 'We just reopened The Cove and Rum Runners, and it has affected us somewhat. People call asking how to get down there. Some people make it down, some people don't,' said Tim Sedney, a bayfront business owner. But good news for these business owners from PennDOT, the state street access point to the bay front will reopen in the next few weeks. Honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day PennDOT Press Officer Jill Harry told us that they're hoping to fully open the intersection next week after finishing some paving and traffic signal work. Their estimate is to open on Tuesday, April 29. That's music to the ears of all businesses on the bayfront, including Oliver's Beer Garden, which will be opening for the season Thursday afternoon. 'In the long run, it's going to be great. It's a bit of a pain right now for us and some people, but honestly, it hasn't caused us much problems. We're excited about the project, and I think people will have better access soon to come down for the summer activities down here,' said Nick Scott Jr., Scott Enterprise's vice president and owner. The Bayfront Convention Center has continued to work around detours caused by both the State Street closure and work on the roundabout throughout the winter. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'For certain events, it's definitely been a challenge. I will say that PennDOT and their contractors have been great to work with. When we have large events and high activity, they try to move their work and give us additional parking,' said Ed Snyder, general manager of the Bayfront Convention Center. 'From a traffic standpoint, leaving the convention center can at times be challenging, so we're hoping that the roundabout will help relieve us here at the bayfront.' All of the major bayfront stakeholders we spoke with agreed that this project, when all is said and done, is going to be a game changer for both motorists and pedestrians wanting to frequent the businesses. They're thankful the main access point will be opening ahead of the start of their busy seasons. 'It's a great waterfront community, we all work together, and that's what it's all about,' Sedney said. 'It's going to make it great for everybody, and you're getting in right at the start of the season, and that's what had to happen. If this had gone into Memorial Day weekend, it would have been disastrous for us.' Tips to avoid allergy symptoms amid higher-than-usual pollen count In the meantime, access to all of these locations is still available as it has been since December. Detours are near the Sassafras Street Extension as well as Holland Street to reach Dobbins Landing. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
