​Route 347, Section 253 Culvert Project

County: Lackawanna
State Route: 347
Project Type: Culvert Project
Expected Construction Season: Summer 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) invites the public to a Public Meeting with Plans Display regarding the Route 347, Section 253 Culvert Project. 

The SR 347 Section 253 project involves improvements to the crossing of SR 347 over Kennedy Creek in Scott Township, Lackawanna County, PA. The project proposes to replace and existing metal arch culvert with a new reinforced concrete box culvert. The existing culvert is experiencing deterioration with scour distress that requires corrective action to sustain a safe crossing at this location. The new culvert has been designed to match the hydraulic performance of the original culvert and maintain the existing floodplains so as not to adversely affect adjacent property owners. Roadway improvements associated with the project include full depth reconstruction in the vicinity of the culvert, providing lane and shoulder widths meeting current design criteria. Additionally, new guide rail and pavement markings will be provided throughout the project limits. Only minor utility impacts are anticipated to construct the project.

Historical or cultural resources present within the project site include a National Register Eligible Farm in the southeastern quadrant of the site. The project seeks to minimize impacts to the farm property, however, both temporary and permanent easements are necessary. Although wetlands are present in the vicinity of the project area, there will be no impacts associated with the proposed construction. In-stream construction restrictions for Kennedy Creek's wild trout designation will extend from October 1 through December 31, 2023. Additionally, no tree cutting will be allowed from May 15 through August 15 to accommodate spring staging and fall swarming habitat of the northern long-eared bat.

The in-person public display meeting for both projects will took place at:

Time: 7:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, October 17, 2023
Location: Scott Township Building (1038 Montdale Road, Scott Township, PA, 18447)

The public comment period was from September 26 - October 31, 2023.

The purpose of the public plans display is to introduce the project and receive public input regarding the proposed improvements. The public is encouraged to respond to the public questionnaire and provide comments by clicking on the Public Questionnaire. If you prefer to download a printed survey form, use this link (Project Questionnaire) to print a PDF questionnaire to be completed by hand and mailed to the address at the bottom of the form.

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Mr. Charles Reuther, PennDOT Project Manager, at creuther@pa.gov.

Please direct any questions regarding this information, to the PennDOT Project Manager, Charles Reuther, at creuther@pa.gov.

The project is expected to be built under a 3.5-mile detour using Interstate 81, SR 347, and SR 632. For this project, the detour will be in place for approximately 1 to 2 months to complete the box culvert installation. Directions for the detour are given below:

• From the project site, proceed south on SR 347 to SR 632;
• Turn right onto SR 632 and proceed west to I-81 NB on-ramp;
• Merge onto I-81 NB and proceed north to Exit 199;
• At the end of the off-ramp, turn right onto SR 524 and proceed to SR 347; and
• Turn right onto SR 347 and proceed south to the project site.