Latrobe's summer paving costs under budget; intersection work nearing an end

Latrobe will spend $20,000 less than expected on its summer paving project, according to City Manager Michael Gray.

But that work isn’t expected to take place until paving is complete on key downtown intersections undergoing improvement as part of a separate PennDOT effort.

City council on Monday awarded the summer paving project to local Derry Construction Co. for $78,109, the lowest of three submitted bids.

“Paving has just fluctuated so much,” Gray said. “Prices are up with gas and oil, but it’s a good number for the city. I’ll take it.”

Derry Construction additionally is handling the paving for the $3.4 million intersection project. That project includes installation of updated traffic signals and curb ramps that meet modern handicapped-access standards at several intersections on Main, Depot and Ligonier streets and on Lloyd Avenue.

Scott Wajdic, the city’s public works director, said major work on the intersections, including paving, should be finished by the end of June, though finishing touches may be needed to complete some crosswalks.

As for regular summer paving, resurfacing is planned on: Jefferson Street between Chestnut Street and Irving Avenue; Main Street at Sylvan Avenue; Alexandria Street between Main and Spring streets; and a section of Derry Street. The city also is looking to repair the concrete surface of Spring between the 500 and 700 blocks.

Street surfaces at some intersections remain uneven after milling was completed over the past week.

Mayor Rosie Wolford noted motorists and members of the downtown business community were upset that the milling added to traffic disruptions during Latrobe’s week-long Mister Rogers Family Days celebration. “Some days it was like an obstacle course,” she said of navigating downtown streets, but added, “The roads getting repaved had to be the number one priority.”

She pointed out the timing of the intersection project had been thrown off by the covid-19 pandemic.

“Progress is inconvenient,” she said, “but the alternative is that everything crumbles.”

Compounding traffic issues in Latrobe, rehabilitation is underway on the Brewery Bridge that carries Ligonier Street over Loyalhanna Creek. For the duration of that $2.4 million project, which is expected to last at least through November, the bridge has been reduced to one lane northbound, allowing traffic from downtown to reach Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, on the city’s North Side.

The detour for southbound traffic has increased congestion at Lloyd Avenue and Unity Street. Police Chief John Sleasman noted citations have been issued to some motorists who disregarded the traffic restriction and headed south across the bridge when the coast seemed clear. “Mostly, 85% of them, are residents on the North Side,” he said.

Savings eyed for medical plan, firefighting

Gray told council the city’s switch to Municipal Benefits Service, the new broker for its employees’ UPMC medical insurance plan, paid off with improved dental and vision benefits along with a cost savings to the city of $60,000, or 9%, over 18 months.

Council on Monday also hired consultant Fast Attack to complete a study of the city fire department with an eye to reducing costs. According to Gray, the study could last for up to six months at a rate of $75 per hour, not to exceed a maximum cost of $6,000.