NPHQ > Awards & Success Stories > 2008 Winner

Lewistown Narrows Project Keeps Traffic Flowing and Improves Waterway Access

Incorporates Nation’s Longest Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall

PennDOT partnered with the EADS Group, Walsh Construction and the Maguire Group for its Mifflin and Juniata County/Route 322 Lewistown "Narrows" Project.  The 6.65 mile, $110 million project was the second largest construction project ever awarded by PennDOT and featured the longest mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall in the United States (second longest in the world).

Project design was complex: it minimized excavation, addressed flood problems and provided for stability in the talus slope that extends along much of this 6.65 mile portion of the roadway.  The project incorporated formal partnering efforts, including a Citizens Advisory Committee, public meetings, newsletters and continuous dialogue with many other agencies and local legislators.

About 22,000 vehicles per day travel through the Route 22/322 Narrows, doubling in the fall during Penn State University home football weekends.  With few alternate routes available and official detours amounting to 30 to 60 miles (depending on vehicle weight), it was important to keep the roadway open.  Special efforts were made to avoid construction-related delays during peak weekday travel times or for special event traffic, such as that created by fans headed to the football games.

The design of the new road addressed concerns about high numbers of crashes and now incorporates variable message boards, video monitoring, flashing, warning devices and highway advisory radio.  The finished project features the addition of a visitor's center, new boat and fishing access to a nearby river, a walking path along the waterway and restoration of an historic canal and lock-keeper's house.  The project began in March 2005 with a ceremonial "rock breaking" and opened to all four lanes of traffic in December 2007.

To learn more about the Lewistown Narrows Project: 
www.penndot2.com/route22_322/index.html