CRANBERRY TWP. — Motorists who use Franklin Road will need to find another route beginning Tuesday as PennDOT prepares to close a portion of the roadway for more than two weeks as part of the $19.1 million Franklin Road Corridor Safety Improvement Project.
The 17-day closure will allow crews to perform roadway reconstruction, including new drainage, widening and paving. The schedule is weather permitting.
Crews were already working Friday near the Franklin Road and Mars Road intersection despite steady rain, while signs at the Route 228 intersection warned motorists of the approaching Aug. 18 closure.
Mars Road Will Remain Accessible
PennDOT said drivers will continue to have access to Mars Road during the closure.
Drivers approaching from south of the closure will follow the same detour in reverse.
PennDOT anticipates reopening Franklin Road after 17 days.
PennDOT’s official detour route for the Franklin Road closure. The closed portion is shown in red.
Part of $19.1 Million Safety Project
The closure is part of the larger Franklin Road Corridor Safety Improvement Project, which includes shoulder widening, installation of edge-line rumble strips and improvements designed to increase sight distance along Franklin Road.
Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. of State College is the contractor for the four-year, $19.1 million project, which is expected to be completed in early November 2027.
The 228 Times will continue to follow construction along Franklin Road and the Route 228 corridor as the project progresses.