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PennDOT puts Rt. 228 straighten project on hold

BRADY TWP — A state Department of Transportation officials said this morning that the department is reconsidering a proposal to straighten a section of Route 228, commonly known as Ball’s Bend in Middlesex Township.

PennDOT last year presented a plan that would eliminate three sweeping curves on the busy road between Route 8 and Quality Gardens, near the Adams Township border.

The project, which could cost up to $20 million, would cut through an existing section of homes, forcing some residents to relocate.

“That project is on hold,” said Brian Allen, Assistant District 10 Executive for Design.

Allen spoke about the project today at PennDOT’s annual Butler County outreach meeting, which was at the Jennings Environmental Center in Brady Township.

“We’ll continue working with the township to figure out the best thing to do,” Allen said. “Nothing is decided at this point.”

The proposed new road would make Route 228 a straight highway from Route 8 to the Mars schools, with two lanes both east and west, as well as turn lanes in the center.

An alternative is to widen the road to four lanes along its current curved path.

Residents have spoke out against the plan.

Allen said the state has heard those comments and is re-evaluating what it will do with the road.

“We want to take a step back and make sure we settle on the best decision.”

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