Route 31 shift will allow eastbound traffic to bypass intersection at Donegal

PennDOT plans Monday to shift motorists onto a new Route 31 alignment at Donegal that features an improved intersection at Route 711, with a new traffic signal and turning lanes.

The new continuous “T” intersection will allow those driving east on Route 31 to continue unimpeded, using a through lane to bypass the Route 711 junction.

Adjacent turnpike interchange lanes will be shifted to begin construction of a final tie-in to the new alignment. This work is expected to occur through September.

Plum Contracting of Salem is slated to finish work on the nearly $20 million Route 31 improvement project by the year’s end. Final paving of Route 31 is planned later in August, on a stretch of road it shares with Route 711, between the Holiday Inn Express hotel at Donegal and Sarnelli’s Market in Jones Mills.

The project includes widening of Route 31 for center turning lanes, sight distance improvements, water line relocation and drainage upgrades. Work on side roads includes realignment of School House Road to form an intersection opposite Mountain View Road and realignment of Kings Way to intersect opposite Route 711.

More than 12,000 tons of soil contaminated by old, leaking underground storage tanks have been hauled to a landfill in accordance with state environmental regulations. Other soil is being stockpiled and tested for possible reuse on the construction site.