Route 356 renovation in Allegheny Township on pace to be finished by midfall

A midfall reopening remains on track in Allegheny Township for the massive Route 356 renovation project that began in April.

The project spans an area from near the Weinels Crossroads section of the township to the area near the corner of Route 356 and White Cloud Road.

Ligonier Construction crews were working on the segment between Armstrong Road and Fire Hall Road and recently performed bulk excavation, drainage improvements and the installation of a stormwater management pond.

Completion of those tasks allowed the crews to proceed with road shoulder reconstruction.

When the last report was made to Allegheny Township officials, construction crews were waiting for utility pole relocation.

Next up is a box culvert replacement about 500 feet north of Armstrong Road scheduled for mid-September.

Once that task is completed, the final paving will take place along with guardrail replacement, line striping and permanent signage.

Motorists have been using a detour on White Cloud Road that connects with Route 56 near the Bonfire Restaurant. Speeding incidents and an accident involving several dozen motorcycles during a fundraiser have taken place along the detour.

Twelve additional speed limit signs have been installed by the Allegheny Township public works department.

Though White Cloud is a state road, the local municipality is responsible for installing signs when the speed limit is 35 mph or lower, public works director Roger Schwarz told township supervisors on Monday.

The speed limit on White Cloud Road is 35 mph.