Oct 2, 2015 2 min read

For a second time, the state Department of Transportation pushed back the bidding date for the re-alignment of Baileys Crossroads, though work on the project is still expected to begin next year.

PennDOT planned to bid the project July 30, but then postponed it to Oct. 1. It has now delayed the bid opening until Jan. 7, said Rachel Duda, District 12 assistant district executive for design.

Duda attributed the delay to “fiscal limitations” and the number of projects on the state project list. Projects such as Bailey’s Crossroad, on which construction wasn’t expected to begin until next year’s construction season, were pushed back to the start of the year, she said.

The delay in the bidding should not lead to any significant change in the project’s completion, which is scheduled for next fall, she said.

PennDOT plans to realign the intersection at Bailey Crossroads in Cumberland Township to allow uninterrupted traffic flow on Route 21. Currently, traffic heading west on Route 21 must stop at a T-intersection at George Street while traffic heading east can continue unimpeded.

The project will give traffic in both directions on Route 21 “through-movement” at the intersection, PennDOT said. Studies have indicated most of the traffic at the intersection is using Route 21.

The project will involve creating a new four-way intersection on Route 21 with George Street and Glade Run Road, which will both be realigned. Turning lanes will be added on Route 21 for left turns onto George Street and Glade Run Road.

The intersection will have a traffic signal, which is expected to improve safety.

A second four-way intersection will be developed to the west with Muddy Creek Road and Greene Valley Road.

Greene Valley Road will be realigned and the entrance to Muddy Creek Road improved to allow better sight lines for traffic on Muddy Creek entering Route 21.

Stop signs will be posted on Muddy Creek and Greene Valley roads at Route 21. The project will not require displacement of any homes or businesses, although PennDOT had to obtain property for the realignments.