ADAMS TWP. — If you’ve recently tried to turn left onto Route 228 from Adams Ridge and found yourself rerouting, you’re not alone—and now, there’s a clearer explanation for why. The restriction is expected to remain in place for up to a month.
Construction currently underway at the intersection is part of a project to install a new turn lane designed to improve traffic flow and provide access to the nearby Quincy Lofts development.
When Will Left Turns Return?
According to the contractor on site, the disruption should be temporary.
“We’re hoping our concrete work is done by the end of next week,” said John Grace, superintendent for Mealy and Mealy Construction. “After that, we still need to get asphalt down, and our paving crew is a little behind schedule. Realistically, within three to four weeks, drivers should be able to make that left turn again.”
For now, left turns remain restricted to allow crews to safely complete work in the turning lane.
“No left turn… that way we have worker safety in this lane,” Grace said, noting the restriction is necessary to protect crews working within the construction zone.
Aside from the turn restriction, traffic flow along Route 228 is expected to remain largely unchanged.
What’s Being Built?
The project involves more than just a temporary traffic shift.
Crews are:
- Installing a new westbound right-turn lane on Route 228
- Constructing a dedicated access point into the Quincy Lofts complex
- Adding concrete roadway improvements with asphalt to follow
- Making adjustments to traffic signals and roadway alignment
Grace said the new turn lane will stretch approximately 250 feet—long enough to help prevent traffic from backing up along one of the region’s busiest corridors.
“This is going to alleviate a lot of traffic,” he said. “You won’t be slowed down in that through lane like you are now.”
Crews have been working extended hours to complete the project as quickly as possible, with workers logging long days to minimize disruption. “We’ve been here… going on 13 hours… trying to get this done as quick as possible.”
Why This Work Is Happening
While the construction may appear to be a PennDOT-led project, officials say it is tied directly to private development.
According to PennDOT, the work is being completed as part of a highway occupancy permit, which requires the developer to make roadway improvements to accommodate increased traffic.
Specifically, the developer is responsible for:
- Widening Route 228
- Installing the new turn lane
- Managing construction scheduling and any necessary detours
PennDOT oversees the permitting process, but the timeline and day-to-day operations are handled by the developer and its contractors. The roadway improvements are tied to the nearby Quincy Lofts development, a project first approved last year.
A Short-Term Disruption for a Long-Term Fix
For drivers navigating the Route 228 corridor, the construction has created some frustration—but it’s part of a broader effort to keep pace with growth in the area.
“It’s a short-term inconvenience for a long-term solution,” Grace said.
Once complete, the new turn lane is expected to improve traffic flow and provide safer, more efficient access to the Quincy Lofts development without slowing through traffic on Route 228.
