The 3.22 mile road improvement project spans from the intersection of Sarver Road and Ekastown Road to the roundabout consisting of Saxonburg Boulevard and Ekastown Road. The project includes realignment, reconstruction, and rehabilitation upgrades to the pavement structure.  New turn lanes at Coal Hollow Road, Freeport Street, and Lardintown Road will be added along with safety upgrades to the bend near Coal Hollow Road. There will be drainage improvements done throughout the whole length of the project. 

This roadway improvement project connects into the five-lane Mars RR Project. It addresses numerous driveway access points from the Mars RR Project east through the schools area; improves the Three Degree Road intersection; and connects to the Route 228/Balls Bend Project at the eastern limit of the project. 

Reconstruction of approximately 13,200 feet of road along Route 228 and 3,600 feet along Three Degree Road will occur. The proposed Route 228 template includes two through lanes in each direction as well as turn lanes at various signalized intersections. 

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The Balls Bend Safety Improvement Project on Route 228 in Middlesex Township, Butler County was a major realignment project involving the addition of a travel lane in each direction and a center turn lane (5-lane typical section). The project also included the construction of four new structures and realigned local road connections, new signalized intersection, jughandles, stream realignments and other miscellaneous construction. 

The $26.55 million project began in February 2021 and was completed January 2025.