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    Project Status

    Step 3 of 4

    Construction

    Next Step:  Completed

    Project Overview

    County: Lycoming
    Municipality: Watson and Cummings
    State Route: Route 44
    Local Name: Route 44
    Project Type: Embankment Stabilization
    Construction Start: August 2024
    Proposed Construction End: Summer 2025
    Last Updated: April 18, 2025

    Embankment stabilization project on Route 44 between Route 973 in Watson Township and Waterville in Cummings Township. Administered through a partnership between EQT Production Company and PennDOT, the overall work on the project will stabilize 18 embankment areas using a combination of geosynthetic reinforced soil, soil nailing, and soldier pile and retention walls. Additional work includes paving, line painting, and guiderail upgrades. 

    Additional Project Information

    In 2024, Route 44 was paved between Route 220 and the PennDOT (44-86S) project in Watson Township and 12 stabilization areas were completed. Work in 2025 includes completing the remaining embankment stabilization areas and paving between Route 973 and Waterville. Traffic will be maintained using a single lane with a combination of temporary traffic signals and flagging where work is being performed. Work began in the summer of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed in the summer of 2025. The construction cost is $9.3 million.

    This project is funded through the Upgrade Partnership Program. District 3 was awarded $4.65 million, to fund PennDOT’s portion of the project and EQT Production Company is providing $4.7 million of private funding to match the Upgrade Partnership Program funds.

    Traffic Updates

    An embankment stabilization project administered through a partnership between EQT Production Company and PennDOT is anticipated to begin early July 2024 between Route 973 in Watson Township and Waterville in Cummings Township. ​

    The week of Monday, May 5, 2025

    The contractor will begin milling and resurfacing Route 44 between Waterville and the PennDOT project south of Route 973. Motorists can expect alternating lane restrictions with flagging where work is being performed. Work will be performed during daylight hours with possible overnight work on occasion.

    The week of May 12, 2025

    The contractor will begin installing the concrete walls between the village of Ramsey and Waterville. Motorists can expect single lane restrictions where work is being performed. Work includes placement of the concrete panels, backfill, and drainage. Work will be performed during daylight hours. Work on the concrete walls should be completed by June 2025.

    The week of June 16, 2025

    The contractor will begin paving final wearing course, or top layer of pavement, throughout the project area. Work includes guide rail upgrades, driveway tie-ins, and miscellaneous construction as the project wraps up.

    Traffic Impacts

    ·        Alternating lane restrictions with flagging.

    ·        The temporary barrier a half mile north of the Pine Creek Inn was removed on Wednesday, April 23.

    ·        The temporary barrier a half mile north of Ramsey will be removed by Monday, May 5.

    ·        The temporary signals will be removed by Monday, May 5.

    ·        A 12-foot width restriction is still in place.

     

    The week of Monday, April 7, 2025

    North of the Ramsey Run

    • The contractor will begin construction of a soldier pile wall approximately 3/4- mile north of Ramsey Run. Work includes drilling H-shaped steel beams (piles) into the ground and installing horizontal supports (lagging) between the piles, removal and installation of guide rail, and miscellaneous construction activities.

    North of Pine Creek Inn

    • Work will begin on a geosynthetic soil wall (GRS) approximately 1-mile north of the Pine Creek Inn. Work includes excavation, construction of the GRS, which includes installing reinforced steel baskets filled with aggregate, removal and installation of guide rail and miscellaneous construction activities.

    Traffic Impacts

    • Temporary barrier has been placed between Ramsey Village and approximately 1 mile north of Ramsey village.
    • Temporary barrier has been placed 1 mile north of the Pine Creek Inn.
    • Temporary signals have been installed in the work zones and will be in full operation mode when work is not being performed.
    • Motorists can expect single lane conditions with a signal and with flagging where work is being performed.
    • A 12-foot width restriction.

    The week of Monday, March 5, 2025 

    Embankment Stabilization Project to Resume Next Week on Route 44 in Lycoming County

    Starting on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, the temporary traffic signals located between Route 973 and Waterville will be placed in flashing mode while the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., begins to mobilize equipment and materials to the work site. The week of Monday, March 10, 2025, the contractor will begin work on the embankment stabilization project located between Ramsey Village and approximately 0.5 mile north of Ramsey Village in Cummings Township. Work includes guiderail removal, excavation, and miscellaneous construction activities.

    Traffic Impacts

    • Temporary barrier will be placed between Ramsey Village and approximately 0.5 mile north of Ramsey village.
    • The temporary traffic signal will be placed in full operation mode on Monday, March 10, 2025.
    • Motorists can expect single lane conditions with a signal and with flagging where work is being performed.
    • A 12-foot width restriction.

    Public Outreach

    Public Meeting

    A public meeting featuring a public plans display and project presentation has already taken place in August 2024.

    Contact Information

    Steve Tokarz
    Partnership Project Contact - North of Route 973
    stokarz@pa.gov

    Pat Powers
    EQT Project Manager - North of Route 973
    patrick.powers@eqt.com

     

    Press Release Archive

    Related Projects

    Accessibility

    The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation or interpretation services, have special needs, or have concerns that require individual attention, please contact the PennDOT Project Manager listed above.

    Title VI

    Pursuant to the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, PennDOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability. If you feel that you have been denied the benefits of, or participation in a PennDOT program or activity, you may contact the PennDOT, Bureau of Equal Opportunity, DBE/Title VI Division at 717-787-5891.