MIDDLESEX TWP — The state Department of Transportation is reconsidering a proposal to straighten a section of Route 228, commonly known as Balls Bend.

PennDOT last fall 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 Thursday at PennDOT’s annual Butler County outreach meeting, which was held at the Jennings Environmental Education 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 area near the Mars schools, with two lanes both east and west, as well as turn lanes in the center. While PennDOT has completed two widening projects on Route 228 in Adams Township, straightening the road would be the first project that would not follow the path of the existing highway.

The most-affected neighborhood would be the section of Harbison Road at its intersection with Allemande Lane. Some homes there would be taken, while others would find themselves neighbors of a four-lane highway.

PennDOT would relocate the homeowners whose properties would be taken. That means properties directly impacted by the project would be appraised, and comparable properties would be found where they could relocate.

PennDOT would pay fair market value for the properties, and assist with relocation expenses.

Residents in many of those homes spoke out against the plan at a public meeting last fall. Allen said the state has heard those comments and is re-evaluating what it will do.

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

The project is not funded and does not have an estimated construction date. Allen said the state will meet with township leaders within the next couple months to discuss the project.

Eric Kaunert, township manager, said he was not aware of PennDOT reconsidering the project.

“That’s news to me,” he said.

Kaunert said some residents have expressed concerns about the proposal to township officials.

Kaunert said the township passed along those concerns to the state.

“We talked about what had transpired and recommended they hold a public hearing so residents have an opportunity to provide input on the project,” he said.

Kaunert said PennDOT is planning to hold a meeting in Middlesex Township concerning the project within the next couple months.

“They’re supposed to have a meeting to identify what to do moving forward,” he said.

Richard Reilly, a resident along Allemande Lane, said he is hopeful the state will reconsider the proposal.

“It would put my house right along a major highway,” Reilly said. “I’m glad to hear they will reconsider.”

Reilly said a group of residents in the impacted zone has been contacting local and state officials on the proposal.

Reilly said he and his neighbors last year collectively put money together to repave Allemande Lane, a private drive. He also built a new garage, while his neighbors also made several additions to their properties. All the work was done without knowledge of PennDOT’s proposed plan.

Tom McMeekin, who owns Quality Gardens on Route 228, said the property owners in the area have been very concerned about the project.

McMeekin said his wife is one of the owners of what is called the Hawkins farm, which is now owned and leased out by the late Hawkins’ six daughters and one son.

The realigned road would travel through the farm, costing the family about a quarter of its usable land.

“We’re very concerned about losing the farm,” he said. “It’s great that they’ll at least look at (the plans) again.”

McMeekin said the group of residents has appeared before township officials and the Butler County Commissioners to speak out against the project.