MARS — As students and motorists adjust to new traffic patterns around Mars Area High School, PennDOT’s Route 228 Corridor Improvement Project continues to reshape one of Butler County’s busiest roadways. From the realigned “Balls Bend” to the widening at Three Degree Road and the newly constructed roundabout serving the high school campus, the multi-million-dollar project is aimed at improving safety and reducing congestion along the corridor.
Work Completed
Earlier phases west of Route 8 have already brought significant changes. In 2015, PennDOT straightened and widened Route 228 between Route 8 and Mars Area Centennial School, eliminating the hazardous “S-bend” at Balls Bend. The project expanded the roadway to five lanes—two in each direction with a center turn lane. In Cranberry Township, upgrades included turning lanes at the Cranberry Springs Drive intersection, direct connections to the I-79 ramps, and an overhaul of the heavily traveled Route 19/Freedom Road/Route 228 intersection.
Current Construction
Construction east of Route 8 now centers on the Three Degree Road project. This phase covers nearly 13,200 feet of Route 228 and 3,600 feet of Three Degree Road. It widens the highway to five lanes, adds township frontage roads, and includes a new roundabout at Milky Way to improve access to Mars Area High School. The $56 million effort is scheduled to continue through 2026. Alongside it, the $55.9 million Balls Bend Safety Project—focused on realignment and curve reduction—is slated for completion in early 2025. Together, these efforts are part of the broader Gateway 228 initiative, which carries a total price tag of more than $184 million.
Impact on Mars Schools
Traffic flow at Mars Area’s campus has changed considerably. Access from the high school auditorium lot onto Three Degree Road is now right-turn-only, requiring drivers to use the new roundabout to rejoin Route 228. The southern entrance to the middle school has been permanently closed, and all drivers must now use Davidson Road. Additional gates and traffic adjustments are in place to reduce congestion and improve safety during arrival and dismissal times.
Looking Back, Looking Ahead
Gateway 228 began in 2018 with the goal of modernizing one of the region’s most vital east–west arteries, which links Butler County to I-79, the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and growing economic centers. Federal BUILD grants totaling $45 million have helped fund the improvements.
PennDOT expects the project to improve safety and ease congestion throughout the corridor, creating smoother and more reliable travel for residents, students, and businesses.
Christina “Tina” Gibbs, Community Relations Coordinator for PennDOT, emphasized the collaboration with Mars School District: “We have worked closely with Mars School District from the project inception throughout the construction phases. From meetings with the project team to articles for their parent newsletter, we’ve been active partners to ensure the school is up-to-date with plans as we progress with the project.”
Josh Schwoebel, Director of Communications at Mars Area School District, added, “Mars Area School District continues to work closely with PennDOT officials to minimize any impacts to school traffic.”
Gibbs further noted that there are no clarifications on current costs, but PennDOT will continue to send out releases and post updates on its website to alert motorists and residents of upcoming changes and impacts.
Looking ahead, Gibbs said the improvements most noticeable to drivers will be along Three Degree Road and the south side of Route 228 in front of Mars Area High School. “Three Degree Road has some sidewalk, paving, and curb to be installed. This work will either have no impact for motorists or be completed at night under flagging. The next major work is along the south side of Route 228 in front of the Mars Area High School to widen the roadway’s future eastbound lanes. This work has already begun and will continue throughout the rest of the year.”
The costliest component—the Mars Railroad bridge replacement, estimated at $92.7 million—remains in design and is expected to follow current construction phases.
Current Construction
