Route 44 - Embankment Stabilization Projects, Watson and Cummings Twps., Lycoming County

Project Overview

​Overview

In the 2024 construction season, two separate embankment stabilization projects will take place on Route 44 in Watson and Cummings townships, Lycoming County.  Both projects will stabilize multiple areas of embankment concerns between Torbert Lane in Watson Township and Waterville in Cummings Township. 

​EQT Partnership Project

44-103 – North of Route 973

Project Overview ​

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. ​

This project involves the stabilization of 18 embankment areas using a combination of geosynthetic reinforced soil, soil nailing, and soldier pile and lagging walls.  Additional work includes paving, line painting, and guide rail upgrades. Traffic will be maintained using single lane with a combination of temporary traffic signals and flagging where work is being performed. Motorists should expect traffic delays and wait times where work is being performed.

Work is anticipated to be completed by the summer of 2025. The construction cost is $9.3 million.

This project is funded through the Upgrade Partnership Program.
 EQT Production Company​ and PennDOT share the cost of the project.​

Partnership Project Update

November 12, 2024 UPDATE

The week of Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will begin removing the traffic signals and temporary barrier between village of Ramsey and 0.5 mile north of the Pine Creek Inn in Cummings Township.

The week of Monday, November 18, 2024, through December 2024, contractor will continue miscellaneous construction work throughout the work area. Motorists can anticipate single lane conditions with flagging while work continues throughout the project area where work is being performed. Work will be performed during daylight hours.

Work is anticipated to continue through December as the contractor prepares for a winter shut down of major construction.  

An 11-foot width restriction is in place.

October 10, 2024 Update

The week of Monday, October 14, 2024, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will begin work on another embankment stabilization location. Work will take place between village of Ramsey and 0.5 mile north of the Pine Creek Inn in Cummings Township. Work at this location is anticipated to take approximately four weeks and includes installation of guide rail and rock to stabilize the embankment.

Traffic Impacts

• Temporary barrier will be removed between approximately 0.5 mile to 2 miles south of Waterville in Cummings Township.
• Temporary barrier will be installed between the village of Ramsey and 0.5 mile north of Pine Creek Inn in Cummings Township.
• Temporary signals will be installed in the work zone and will be full operation mode when work is not being performed.
• Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
• An 11-foot width restriction is in place.
  

September 6, 2024 Update​

The embankment stabilization project continues on Route 44 between 0.5 mile to 2 miles south of Waterville in Cummings Township.

The week of Sunday, September 8, 2024, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, will continue work on the guide rail stabilization and soldier pile areas. Work on guide rail stabilization areas include excavation and installation of guide rail stabilization material. Work on the soldier pile walls include drilling through the soil into the bedrock, installing, and cementing beams and concrete wall tiles to stabilize the embankment.

Traffic Impacts

• Temporary barrier has been installed along the center line starting approximately 0.5 mile to 2 miles south of Waterville in Cummings Township.
• Two temporary signals will be installed throughout the work zone and are in full operation mode.
• Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
• An 11-foot width restriction is in place.

 
Work on Route 44 between Route 220 and Torbert Lane, Watson Township.

• Week of Monday, September 9, 2024, the contractor will be performing shoulder back up between Route 220 and Torbert Lane in Watson Township. Work will be performed during daylight hours.
  
  

• Starting Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the contractor will begin to install new guide rail throughout the newly resurfaced area. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

 
Traffic Impacts

• Motorists should expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed.
  

August 7, 2024 Update

• (WORK COMPLETED) On Wednesday, July 31, 2024 and Thursday, August 1, 2024, the contractor, Glenn O. Hawbaker, Inc., will begin patchwork. Work will be performed between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
  

• (WORK COMPLETED) The week of Monday, August 5, 2024, the contractor will begin guide rail removal in preparation for milling and resurfacing. Work will be performed between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
  ​
  

July 17, 2024 Update

Work on this project began on Wednesday, July 17, 2024. The contractor began drainage work, tree clearing, erosion and sediment control, and survey work. Motorists can expect single lane conditions with flagging where work is being performed. 

PennDOT Project

44-86S – South of Route 973

Project Overview

PennDOT has contracted with HRI, Inc., a private contractor, to complete work on an embankment stabilization project along Route 44 between Torbert Lane and Tombs Run in Watson Township. Work includes stabilizing the existing embankment using a combination of soil nailing, wire mesh, and rock armoring. Additional work includes paving, line painting, and guide rail upgrades. Traffic will be maintained using a single lane with a temporary traffic signal. Work began in the spring of 2024 and is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2025. The construction cost is $11.8 million.

This project is being funded with Federal Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program monies from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Legislation.

Traffic Impacts on the PennDOT Project

Work on this project began in the spring of 2024. Motorists can expect single lane conditions controlled with a temporary traffic signal. ​

Project Contact

​EQT Partnership Project

44-103 Project (North of Route 973)
PennDOT Maintenance Project Manager
Steve Tokarz | stokarz@pa.gov

EQT Project Manager
Pat Powers | patrick.powers@eqt.com

PennDOT Project (South of Route 973)
44-86S Project
PennDOT Construction Project Manager
Jay Miller | jaymiller@pa.gov

Overall Contact:
PennDOT Community Relations Coordinator 
Maggie Baker | magbaker@pa.gov