Allegheny County releases schedule for Springhill Road project in Harrison

A new path for people to walk and bike safely up and down Springhill Road in Harrison is now scheduled to be completed by the end of July, according to the Allegheny County Department of Public Works.

Construction on the $1.3 million project is expected to start in March, public works spokesman Brent Wasko said.

The county is currently seeking construction bids. Bids are due by Dec. 10.

The county expects to give a contractor notice to proceed on March 8. Construction typically starts about two weeks after that notice is given, Wasko said.

The project is to be completed by July 26.

The project is going forward after the Harrison Commissioners in September approved a maintenance agreement for the path with the county.

Harrison is responsible for inspection and maintenance of the path, except the county will control vegetation and agreed to repave the part of the path at street level whenever the county paves the road. The township is responsible for repaving the path at street level if necessary for other reasons.

The path, between North Canal Street and McWilliams Drive, is expected to help residents of the township’s Natrona neighborhood, which lacks public transportation, in getting up Springhill Road to businesses and services in the Natrona Heights area, including to shop, work and see doctors.

As a result of the path being installed, Springhill Road, now four lanes, will be changed to a single downhill lane and two lanes going up.

The path is being built at no cost to the township.

Allegheny County secured $642,000 in federal funding toward the project, given primarily to support the expansion of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Harrison had supported the county’s application for the funding in August 2017.