Jeannette set to rebuild bumpy Sellers Avenue

Work is expected to start next month to resurface a Jeannette road that Mayor Curtis Antoniak referred to as “washboard boulevard.”

Engineer Ed Antonacci said officials are pushing to get the work on Sellers Avenue done by the end of 2025.

“It’s a pretty extensive project,” he said.

Council on Thursday unanimously approved a $1.09 million bid with Dun Rite Construction & Paving. Three bids were received. The other two were from Mele & Mele & Sons for $1.1 million and Curry & Kepple Inc. for $1.26 million.

Jeannette will use a $1.1 million state grant and Community Development Block Grant funding to pay for the project.

Officials have said Sellers Avenue is one of the worst roads to drive on in Jeannette. It is littered with potholes, some of which have been patched, resulting in a bumpy ride.

The work will include Sellers Avenue/North Fifth Street between Harrison and Gaskill avenues, and extend to Gaskill Avenue between North Fifth and North Eighth streets. Roads will be paved, curbs replaced, handicap ramps added and drainage improved.

“It’s going to be beautiful,” Antoniak said.

Sellers Avenue will be completely reconstructed, not just patched, Antonacci said, as has been the practice in the past when potholes open.

“We’re trying to get it done before the end of the year,” he said.

Sellers is a residential area, connecting to Route 130/Harrison Avenue. It turns into North Fifth Street and then connects with Gaskill Avenue.