Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
SAI was responsible for the design of a project to enhance safety and operational efficiency on SR 981 in Unity Township, Westmoreland County. Efforts included the design of lane and shoulder widening, and the design of a single-lane roundabout at the junction of SR 981 with Arnold Palmer Regional Airport Drive and relocated SR 2027. The project also entailed the addition of a center turn lane, drainage improvements, traffic control, stormwater management, erosion and sediment pollution control, highway lighting at the roundabout, major utility relocations, Right-of-Way plan preparation, public involvement, landscaping design at the roundabout, and FAA coordination.
Physical Features:
- Reconstruction and widening of approximately 2.4 miles of urban arterial highway with Design Year ADT of 10,929 (7% trucks).
- Major relocation of 0.25 mile of SR 2027 to connect with the new roundabout and eliminate a poorly aligned intersection with SR 981.
- Profile adjustments along SR 981 to improve stopping sight distances.
Other Features:
- Extensive coordination with Westmoreland County Airport Authority to ensure compatibility between the design of the airport’s drive entrance and design of the new roundabout.
- Maintained traffic via a combination of 6-phased construction, temporary runaround, and one-directional detours.
- Acquired NPDES permit for discharge of stormwater.
- Provided details for reconstruction or adjustment of 65 driveways.
- Coordinated for relocation of 3500′ of water line by the roadway contractor.
- Coordinated for asbestos testing, abatement, and demolition of 5 residential structures.
- Coordinated with FAA for acquisition of airspace clearance permit relevant to roundabout lighting pole installations.
Project Owner: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, District 12-0
Completion Date: 2018
Cost: $13,900,000
Photos of completed roadway improvements.