​Margaret Road Intersection Improvement Project

Project Overview

The Margaret Road Intersection Improvement Project will realign the roadway  to improve the existing intersection, sight distance and geometrics along the U.S. 422 corridor between Indiana and Kittanning. The project incorporates two new structures consisting of a two-span bridge and a concrete box culvert. The two-span bridge is over Cherry Run and spans Route 2005, locally known as Margaret Road. 

The project replaces an existing four-way intersection with a T-intersection relocated west of the existing intersection. Numerous stormwater management facilities and new wetland areas will be constructed throughout the project limits.  Contractor, Plum Contracting, Inc. of Pittsburgh will be completing this $25 million with a projected completion date of June 2025.

This project was funded through the Surface Transportation Program (STP) which provides flexible funding that may be used by States and localities for projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any federal-aid highway, bridge and tunnel projects on any public road, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects, including intercity bus terminals.

Project Updates

9-19-2023

Margaret Road will be opening on September 24.  The roadway had been closed with a detour since August 7 as crews completed excavation and drainage work along Margaret Road. 

Work is continuing on the Margaret Road Intersection Project with the construction of two new temporary roads, one at each end of the project, to allow for the new road tie-ins onto U.S. 422. This includes excavation, temporary drainage, and paving.  Traffic will be moved onto the temporary roads later this year.

Motorists should be alert for construction vehicles crossing U.S. 422 and Margaret Road.

7-27-23

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting motorists to an upcoming detour on Margaret Road. Originally scheduled to begin on July 24, the closure has been delayed to August 7 and will continue through the end of September.  To detour, motorists should use Route 422, Route 210, Route 85, and Route 2005 (Margaret Road).

5-3-23

There is a change in dates for the upcoming lane and width restrictions.  Due to weather this week, the dates for the concrete barrier installation have changed to May 8 through 12, between the hours of 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Concrete barrier will be set up along U.S. 422 which will result in lane restrictions.  Once the barrier is set, there will be a 10-foot width restriction for vehicles.  Motorists should use caution in the area and be alert for an increase in vehicles entering and exiting the work zone.

4-7-23

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is alerting motorists to upcoming lane and width restrictions on U.S. 422. May 1 through May 5, 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM concrete barrier will be set up along U.S. 422 which will result in lane restrictions.  Once the barrier is set, there will be a 10-foot width restriction for vehicles.

Crews will continue working to install drainage along U.S. 422 and reconstructing the roadway shoulders.  Traffic will be reduced to one lane controlled by flaggers.  Motorists should use caution in the area.

3-31-23

April 3 through April 24, from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM, crews will be working to install drainage along U.S. 422 and reconstructing the roadway shoulders.  Traffic will be reduced to one lane controlled by flaggers.  Motorists should use caution in the area.

3-20-23

On April 10, Margaret Road will be closed between U.S. 422 to Sunken Valley Road to relocate the remaining utilities, install drainage, and construct the pier for the new bridge.  The detour will be in place through the end of June.  To detour, motorists should use U.S. 422, Route 210, Route 85, and Margaret Road.

2-17-23

Margaret Road will be opened to traffic by 3:00 PM February 17, 2023.  Margaret Road had been closed between U.S. 422 to Sunken Valley Road as overhead utility lines were moved underground.

1-19-23

A traffic detour will begin starting January 30, 2023.  Margaret Road will be closed between U.S. 422 to Sunken Valley Road as overhead utility lines are moved underground.  The detour will be in place through the end of February.  To detour, motorists should use U.S. 422, Route 210, State Route 85, and Margaret Road.

11-1-22

The Margaret Road Intersection Improvement Project in Plumcreek Township, Armstrong County will move forward thanks to the department's investment of $24.8 million from the federal Surface Transportation Program. 

"We're very happy to move this project forward and appreciative of the funding that allows us to do so," said District Executive Brian Allen.  "The Margaret Road Intersection Improvement Project will improve the safety of this intersection as well as the mobility needs along State Route 422."

The Margaret Road Intersection Improvement Project will provide roadway realignment to improve the existing intersection, sight distance and geometrics along the Route 422 corridor between Indiana and Kittanning. The project incorporates two new structures consisting of a two-span steel girder bridge and a concrete box culvert. The two-span bridge is over Cherry Run and spans State Route 2005, locally known as Margaret Road. 

The project replaces an existing four-way intersection with a T-intersection relocated at a point approximately 1,600 feet to the west of the existing intersection. Numerous stormwater management facilities and new wetland areas will be constructed throughout the project limits.  The estimated cost of construction is $25 million.

"This is a significant investment in the 422 corridor and the continuation of the many improvements already made over the last decade," said Sen. Joe Pittman.  "422 is the key connection between Armstrong and Indiana counties and the realignment of the Margaret Road interchange will improve travel conditions for commercial and personal travel for the entire region."

The Surface Transportation Program (STP) provides flexible funding that may be used by States and localities for projects to preserve and improve the conditions and performance on any federal-aid highway, bridge and tunnel projects on any public road, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transit capital projects, including intercity bus terminals.

"It is wonderful that the federal Surface Transportation Program recognized the value of this project," said Rep. Abby Major. "The funding will go a long way toward addressing better travel conditions and safety issues at the Margaret Road intersection. Infrastructure improvements enables trade, powers businesses, connects workers to their jobs, and creates opportunities for communities. This project will have a long-lasting impact for the area."

According to Rep. Donna Oberlander, "My colleagues and I were happy to advocate for such an important project in Plumcreek Township that will not only enhance safety but will also be respectful of existing wetlands and better manage stormwater runoff. This amount of funding is a great investment in our local transportation network."

At this point, PennDOT has acquired the right-of-way to construct the project and is currently in the final stages of the design process. The project is scheduled to be under construction during the 2023 and 2024 construction seasons.

"I am pleased to see this money allocated for much-needed improvements on the busy Route 422 corridor. We have been advocating for these safety and access upgrades for many years. This regional project will save lives and improve traffic flow. I applaud PennDOT for moving this forward," said Rep. Jim Struzzi.