Bridge project complicates operations for Zelienople business; PennDOT responds
A multimonth, $2 million preservation project for Zelienople Bridge was set in motion on May 20, leading to lane closures on Route 19.
Northbound traffic can flow as usual, but southbound traffic is being detoured onto Interstate 79. This will continue through Aug. 21, with an exception from July 2 to July 6, when the southbound traffic flow will return to normal for Fourth of July events.
One business, Hearth & Home Furnishings, located on North Main Street alongside East Northview Drive, has experienced complications from the project.
Megan Murphy, co-owner, voiced her frustration at the lack of advance notice from the state Department of Transportation, as well as insufficient signage to help potential customers navigate.
A vast majority of the store’s customers come from outside of Zelienople, mostly from Pittsburgh. Murphy said the project has created significant detours to reach the store. Some customers have avoided coming altogether due to the confusion, she said.
In a May 18 Facebook post, the store said its planned Ladies Night Out event with The Perfect Piece Home Furnishings will be postponed due to the road work.
Murphy said her issue is not with the project, but that they weren’t given a heads-up to prepare for adjustments.
“As of now, it’s still very confusing,” Murphy said.
She said she is unsure how much other businesses are affected, but has heard residents of the borough are also confused.
In terms of the traffic flow, it has especially been a struggle to get larger trucks back on Route 19, she said.
Last week, the project manager stopped by at Hearth & Home to go over the business’s concerns.
“It’s a good thing that they stopped by and saw we weren’t crying wolf,” said Murphy.
She hasn’t heard any new updates since the visit, she said. The same goes for additional signage, which the business requested last Wednesday.
In an email comment, Christina Gibbs, community relations coordinator at PennDOT, said a news release was posted on the department website May 13 announcing the project schedule, as well as the detour route, ahead of time.
“We try to accommodate municipality needs such as festivals, parades, etc., when possible,” Gibbs said.
Gibbs added PennDOT works with businesses on a variety of topics. Already, some business owners and community members have reached out to discuss their concerns with the project team and contractor.
The district office can be reached at 724-357-2800 for any inquiries.
“Community outreach varies greatly from project to project,” said Gibbs. “Once a project team is identified, whether in the design or construction phase, they’re available to anyone that needs to talk through the project details, answer questions or address concerns.”
