Road Repairs Archives

Senator Santarsiero Hosts PennDOT Road Tour Highlighting Roads in Need of Repair

September 10, 2024

BUCKS COUNTY – September 10, 2024 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) hosted state Department of Transportation officials on a road tour around the 10th Senate District, announcing planned roadway repair projects, highlighting needed improvements, and applauding work that has recently been completed.

The road tour covered an expansive portion of the district, with five stops and dozens of roads featured along the route. In conjunction with the road tour, Senator Santarsiero has shared an inventory of roads in the 10th Senate District with specific requests for repair. The list is compiled on a rolling basis, and regularly shared with PennDOT, and includes submissions from constituents and municipalities.

“Many of our roadways are showing their age and need repair and repaving to meet growing traffic demands in our region,” said Senator Santarsiero. “PennDOT is working with a limited budget and staff to maintain one of the largest shares of state highway in the country. PennDOT continues to work hard to keep our roads safe and operational despite these challenges, and I am committed to working with PennDOT to address the projects highlighted on this year’s tour.”

The road tour began by driving from the Senator’s district office in Newtown Township to Representative Jim Prokopiak’s office in Falls Township. Senator Santarsiero called attention to the condition of Stony Hill Road between the Newtown Bypass and Heacock Road in Lower Makefield Township and requested the roadway be repaved. Driving along North and South Oxford Valley Road, the Senator noted the continued deterioration of the concrete roadway and requested an update on the status of the roundabout construction project south of Lincoln Highway at Bristol Oxford Valley Road and North Oxford Valley Road in Falls Township, a featured stop on the Senator’s 2022 road tour.

Stopping at the intersection of New Falls Road and Hood Boulevard in Falls Township, the Senator was joined by state Representative Jim Prokopiak (D-140) to highlight the busy intersection, scheduled to be resurfaced on PennDOT’s 2025 calendar.

“PennDOT has been implementing new resurfacing tactics to extend the life of our roadways between full-scale repaving projects, making the most of out of a limited budget and relentless need,” said Senator Santarsiero. “Intersections like this one in Falls Township are so important both because of the commercial roadway along New Falls Road and the proximity to Pennsbury High School. The resurfacing of this roadway will keep our students, both walkers and those driving to school, safe while also improving the roadway along a busy economic corridor in the township.”

At the corner of S. Pennsylvania Avenue and E. Cleveland Avenue, Morrisville Borough Mayor Gary Wallace and Council Chair Helen Hlahol joined the tour for the announcement that trucks weighing more than 10 tons will soon be banned on S. Pennsylvania Avenue. The announcement comes on the heels of a decade of advocacy, traffic studies, traffic calming measures and public meetings. Borough residents applauded the change, which PennDOT officials announced would be implemented between late October and late November 2024 following the installation of signage.

“For residents who live along S. Pennsylvania Avenue or on the neighboring streets, the roadway is a vital part of their day-to-day lives,” said Senator Santarsiero. “When Morrisville Borough residents and officials first brought the issue of excessive truck traffic on S. Pennsylvania Avenue to my attention, it was clear it would take time to find the right solution to balance the interests of residents and area businesses. The prohibition of trucks on S. Pennsylvania Avenue will bring relief to residents and ensure the structural integrity of the roadbed remains intact.”

The tour continued north along River Road into Upper Makefield Township, highlighting the importance of the ongoing project to repave the length of River Road in the 10th District. Senator Santarsiero has successfully advocated for the expedited repaving of River Road, leading PennDOT to begin the work this summer, a year ahead of schedule.

“River Road is a key roadway to the economic success of New Hope and the surrounding area,” said Senator Santarsiero. “The beautiful tree cover that makes the drive so scenic means water pools on the roadway longer causing the road surface to deteriorate more quickly. It has been a priority of mine to work with PennDOT to get this road into better shape, making it a safer and more pleasant drive for residents and visitors. I’m thrilled this project is underway and appreciate PennDOT’s commitment to prioritizing this important road.”

Stopping at Francisco’s on the River in Upper Makefield Township, Township Supervisor Chair Yvette Taylor spoke of the ongoing issue with flooding along the roadway. PennDOT provided an update on a pipe replacement project that will help with flood mitigation, scheduled for 2025. PennDOT also noted that the repaving of River Road through Upper Makefield Township and the repaving of Route 532 in the municipality will be completed by spring 2025.

Continuing through Buckingham Township, the next stop was at the site of the future roundabout at the intersection of Route 263 and Route 202. Senator Santarsiero and Representative Tim Brennan were briefed by project engineers about the design of the project and the Buckingham Township Board of Supervisors and township engineer joined the tour to express their support for getting the work done as quickly as possible.

The final stop on the tour brought together local officials from Doylestown Township and Doylestown Borough to discuss the remaining repaving needs along State Street in the borough and township, and the ongoing need for a capital project to address the condition of Route 611 and Route 202. Following the stop, Senator Santarsiero guided PennDOT around the interchange ramps of the two highways, emphasizing the urgent need to invest in the high-traffic roads.

As the tour concluded, Senator Santarsiero thanked PennDOT for its hard work and re-emphasized his commitment to advocate for increased funding for the state agency.

“PennDOT works non-stop to see that our roadways are safe and functional for motorists and pedestrians with limited resources,” said Senator Santarsiero. “It is critical we invest in our infrastructure so that PennDOT has adequate resources to meet the ever-growing needs of our communities.

The 10th Senate District includes Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham Township, Chalfont Borough, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Falls Township, Lower Makefield Township, Morrisville Borough, New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope Borough, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Plumstead Township, Solebury Township, Tullytown Borough, Upper Makefield Township and Yardley Borough.

Senator Santarsiero Hosts PennDOT Road Tour Highlighting Roads in Need of Repair

September 21, 2023

BUCKS COUNTY − September 21, 2023 − State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) hosted PennDOT officials on a road tour around the 10th Senate District, announcing planned roadway repair projects, highlighting needed improvements, and applauding work that has recently been completed.

The road tour covered an expansive portion of the district, with 7 stops and dozens of roads featured along the route. In conjunction with the road tour, Senator Santarsiero has shared an inventory of more than 60 roads in the 10th Senate District with specific requests for repair. The list is compiled on a rolling basis, and regularly shared with PennDOT, and includes submissions from constituents and municipalities.

“Many of our roadways are showing their age and need repair and repaving to meet growing traffic demands in our region,” said Senator Santarsiero. “I have strongly supported increasing funding for transportation infrastructure and recognize that PennDOT is working with a limited budget and staff. Despite these challenges, PennDOT continues to work hard to keep our roads safe and operational and I am committed to working with PennDOT to address the projects highlighted on this year’s tour.”

The road tour began by driving through the intersection of Route 413 and Route 13 in Bristol Township, highlighting potholes and uneven road surface at the busy intersection. Senator Santarsiero noted that while work has been done along both Route 413 and Route 13 leading up to the intersection, the intersection itself needs to be prioritized for repairs.

Stopping on Green Lane, along the border of Bristol Borough and Bristol Township, Senator Santarsiero was joined by representatives from both Bristol Borough and Township and Rep. Tina Davis’ (D-141) office to discuss drainage issues. PennDOT officials shared they will replace deteriorating grates on Green Lane. Addressing the flooding under the Amtrak bridge, Bristol Borough and Township officials committed to identifying the source and path of the underground drainage pipes to better understand the necessary steps for flood mitigation.

Cars driving on Green Lane in Bristol Township.

The tour continued down Edgely Road and Tyburn road where Senator Santarsiero urged PennDOT to expedite the resurfacing of these roads. Then at a stop on Woolston Drive with Falls Township Director of Public Works Jason Lawson and staff from Rep. John Galloway’s (D-140) office, the Senator also requested a full resurfacing of the roadway there.

Stopping along Taylorsville Road in Lower Makefield Township, Senator Santarsiero was joined by Lower Makefield Township Supervisor Daniel Grenier, Township Manager David Kratzer, Public Works Director Derick Fuller, Community Development Director Jim Majewski and Rep. Perry Warren (D-31). Senator Santarsiero expressed his gratitude for the state’s recovery effort following the July 15th flash flood in Upper Makefield and Lower Makefield townships, which tragically took seven lives. “I want to thank Governor Shapiro and Secretary Carroll for their leadership and immediate action to repair the damage caused by the July 15th flash flood in Upper Makefield Township,” said Senator Santarsiero. “During a time of tragedy, their teams worked quickly and diligently to make the necessary repairs and implement improvements to help the community better weather future storms.”

During the July 15th flash flood, the Maplevale neighborhood in Lower Makefield Township took on considerable water causing damage to several homes. Senator Santarsiero and Rep. Warren have been working with Lower Makefield Township officials to develop a long-term plan for stormwater management to mitigate future flooding along Taylorsville Road and in Maplevale.

L to R: Rep. Warren, Lower Makefield Township Supervisor Dan Grenier, Senator Santarsiero and PennDOT District 6 Assistant District Executive for Operations Fran Hanney and PennDOT Manager of Legislative and Government Affairs Brenda Rios.

Continuing the road tour along State Street in Doylestown Borough, Senator Santarsiero made note of the need for resurfacing, which was reiterated during a stop along State Street near Doylestown Hospital. During the stop, which included Rep. Tim Brennan (D-29), Doylestown Borough Council President Jack O’Brien, Doylestown Township staff and Bucks County Planning Commission staff, the Senator also referenced the 2022 road tour and the ongoing need for a large-scale capital project to improve the Doylestown Bypass and Routes 202 and 611 in Doylestown Township.

Senator Santarsiero speaks to PennDOT and Doylestown Borough and Township officials.

At a stop in Chalfont Borough, Senator Santarsiero brought to PennDOT’s attention ongoing concerns about the bridge on Business Route 202 over the North Branch of the Neshaminy Creek. The roadway surface is in good condition, but Chalfont Borough officials, including Mayor Brian Wallace, Borough Council President John Engel and Borough Manage Shawn Curran, who joined the Senator at the stop, had reached out to the Senator’s office to request assistance in getting the structure of the bridge inspected and updated.

Bridge along Business Route 202 over North Branch of Neshaminy Creek in Chalfont Borough.

Continuing on to Plumstead Township, the next stop was the intersection of Route 202 and Route 413, where the need for road resurfacing and leveling was brought up. At this stop, Senator Santarsiero was joined by Rep. Shelby Labs (R-143), Plumstead Township Supervisors Jim McColb and Dan Hilferty and Public Works Director Alan Bleam.

Senator Santarsiero greets Plumstead Township Director of Public Works Alan Bleam.

The tour continued through Solebury Township, highlighting the need for road resurfacing along Sugan Road before continuing through Upper Makefield Township along Wrightstown Road. Senator Santarsiero also used the opportunity to once again ask PennDOT to prioritize resurfacing the entire length of River Road in Bucks County.

The road tour wrapped up with a stop along the Newtown Bypass where Senator Santarsiero, joined by Newtown Township Supervisor Dennis Fisher, thanked PennDOT for their work resurfacing portion of the high-traffic roadway. “I want to thank PennDOT District 6 for their tireless work to keep our roadways safe,” Sen. Santarsiero concluded.

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