Construction Updates
Throughout the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project, Mars Area School District will be working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information regarding the project
Route 228 Median Work Set to Begin (posted 03.19.26)
Beginning Monday, March 30, PennDOT crews will be completing median work on Route 228 between Mars-Valencia Road (Adams Township) and Davis Road (Middlesex Township).
Road crews will be working between the eastbound and westbound lanes of Route 228. Therefore, drivers are asked to use caution when traveling through the construction area and to be aware of trucks entering and exiting the roadway.
The work is part of the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project, which is designed to provide better and safer traffic flows throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and traffic circles.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available. For details, visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
The work is part of the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project, which is designed to provide better and safer traffic flows throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and traffic circles.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available. For details, visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
PennDOT Crews Preparing to Shift Traffic to New Lanes (posted 09.18.25)
PennDOT Crews Preparing to Shift Traffic to New Lanes (posted 09.18.25)
As the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project continues, PennDOT crews are currently paving the new eastbound lanes of Route 228 directly in front of Mars Area High School.
Once the paving is completed, crews will prepare to move traffic over to the new lanes and implement a new traffic pattern on Route 228. In order to shift traffic, a lane restriction is currently scheduled from 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, through 6 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the intersections of Route 228 with Helenz Way, Three Degree Road and Robert William Drive (near Aldi’s).
Once the paving is completed, crews will prepare to move traffic over to the new lanes and implement a new traffic pattern on Route 228. In order to shift traffic, a lane restriction is currently scheduled from 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, through 6 a.m. on Thursday, Oct. 2, at the intersections of Route 228 with Helenz Way, Three Degree Road and Robert William Drive (near Aldi’s).
Following the traffic lane change, Mars Area High School’s western (tennis courts) entrance will reopen and, along with the school’s eastern Route 228 entrance, will have right-in/right-out access only. Westbound traffic on Route 228 will no longer be able to turn left into the high school parking lot and will need to access the school via Three Degree Road (South) and Milky Way.
Crews are completing concrete work at night along Three Degree Road (North) adjacent to Mars Area Middle School. The work is expected to be finished in the last week of September and paving will occur in early October. The majority of work for the remainder of the construction season will occur off the roadway itself with little to no impact to motorists.
The overall Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flows throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and traffic circles. The project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available. For details, visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
Construction on Route 228 Project Resumes (posted 05.01.25)
Construction on Route 228 Project Resumes (posted 05.01.25)
Construction is once again underway on The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project.
Currently, the installation of storm water pipes and drainage is continuing along the northern side of Route 228 in front of Mars Area Primary Center and MHY Family Services. Once that work has been completed, crews will begin preparing to pave several new sections of Route 228, to which traffic will eventually be moved so that construction may begin on the south side of Route 228 later this fall.
Coming this summer, PennDOT will post a several-week detour on the northern section of Three Degree Road while crews widen and realign the roadway at its intersection with Route 228. At the conclusion of that work, the southern portion of Three Degree Road at Route 228 will be closed and a detour will be posted as the roadway is widened and realigned and a new traffic circle is constructed at the Milky Way access road behind Mars Area High School.
The overall Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flows throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and traffic circles. The project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available. For details, visit www.penndot.pa.gov.
PennDOT Crews Preparing to Shift Traffic on Route 228 (posted 09.19.24)
PennDOT Crews Preparing to Shift Traffic on Route 228 (posted 09.19.24)
As PennDOT crews are preparing to transition traffic to newly paved areas along Route 228, nighttime work is expected between 8 p.m and 6 a.m., Monday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Sept. 28.
Work will include temporary and permanent paving, traffic signal adjustments, the installation of temporary barriers, driveway extensions, shoulder back-ups, and line painting. During the construction, the traffic signals along Route 228 at Helenz Way, Three Degree Road and Robert William Drive will be set to flashing yellow with flaggers and police controlling traffic.
The new portion of Route 228 between Marland Drive and Helenz Way is expected to be opened to traffic on Friday, Sept. 28, and the section of new roadway between Three Degree Road and Ball’s Bend will open to traffic on Saturday, Sept. 29. All work is weather dependent.
Note: On Saturday, Sept. 29, there will be no access to Mars Athletic Complex as well as to the Mars Area Middle School and Mars Area Centennial School campuses via Route 228, as crews will still be working to reconnect the old Middle School entrance and Officer Edward Brooks Drive to the new lanes of traffic. Access will remain available via Three Degree Road and Davidson Road.
The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two traffic circles. The overall project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available. For details, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
Work on School Access Roads Nearing Completion (posted 08.08.24)
Work on School Access Roads Nearing Completion (posted 08.08.24)
Route 228 Construction to Continue into Fall Months
As the first day of school is approaching, construction is almost complete on a new access road running parallel to Route 228 in front of the Primary Center and Mars Area School District’s Administration Office.
The new roadway, which is being built as part of PennDOT’s Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project, will connect the Primary Center parking lot directly to Brickyard Road. In addition to the access road, the project will also include reconfigured parking lots at the Primary Center and Administration Office as well as sidewalks and ADA accommodations.
Once completed, all vehicles traveling to the buildings as well as Mars Area Elementary School via Route 228 will be required to use Brickyard Road by way of the new Helenz Way connector, as direct access to the campuses via Route 228 will no longer be available.
All paving and sidewalk work will be completed prior to the K-6 Building Visitation Day, to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mon-day, Aug. 19; however, lines will not be painted in the parking lots until Tuesday, Aug. 20. Therefore, construction crews and District staff will be directing traffic during the event.
Construction on the new “Milky Way” access road, connecting Mars Area High School’s rear parking lot directly to Three Degree Road, is nearing completion. Crews will be paving the roadway during the first week of school. Moving forward this fall, work will include the paving of Route 228 from the Mars Railroad Bridge to Helenz Way and from Sheetz east to Weatherburn Drive.
Once completed, traffic will shift to the newly paved roadway so that work may begin on the existing roadway. The jug handles at Marland Drive and the Helenz Way intersections will be paved and Marland Drive will be realigned. Guiderails and signage will also be installed.
The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two traffic circles. The overall project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available. For details, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
Route 228 Work Continuing Throughout Summer (posted 05.30.24)
Route 228 Work Continuing Throughout Summer (posted 05.30.24)
Work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project will continue throughout the summer.
Work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project will continue throughout the summer.
Earlier this week, PennDOT crews opened the new signalized intersection on Route 228 at the new connector roadway (Helenz Way) linking Route 228 directly to Brickyard Road at The Gables.
On Monday, June 3, the portion of Brickyard Road from The Gables east to Route 228, will be closed for 30 days while PennDOT crews widen and replace the existing roadway. During the construction, there will be no access to the Administration Office parking lot from Route 228. All traffic will need to enter either via the Mars Area Primary Center campus or the Doc’s Way access road (by way of Three Degree Road).
Immediately following the Brickyard Road project, construction will begin on an access road that will run parallel to Route 228 in front of Mars Area Primary Center and will connect the school’s parking lot directly to Brickyard Road. The work will include newly configured parking lots at the Primary Center and Administration Office as well as sidewalks and ADA accommodations.
During the construction, access to the District’s Administration Office, Mars Area Primary Center and Mars Area Elementary School will only be available via the Doc’s Way access road. All work is expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2024-2025 School Year, at which time, all Route 228 access to the buildings will be by way of Brickyard Road.
Also occurring throughout the summer, work on the new “Milky Way” access road behind Mars Area High School will continue with a scheduled completion date prior to the start of next school year. The new roadway will connect the high school’s rear parking lot to Three Degree Road. In addition, work will continue at the intersections of Route 228 (East) with Officer Edward Brooks Drive and Route 228 (West) at Marland Drive. And, Route 228 between Adams Area Fire District headquarters and the new Helenz Way will be paved and widened.
The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two traffic circles. The overall project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available.
To receive news and updates on current and future PennDOT District 10 projects, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/Pages/default.aspx. In the right-hand column, scroll down to “Subscribe to District 10 News,” enter your e-mail address and click “Subscribe.” For information specific to the Three Degree Road Intersection Project, visithttps://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
PennDOT Crews Resuming Work on Route 228 Project
PennDOT Crews Resuming Work on Route 228 Project
Planned Brickyard Road Closure/Detour to Affect School Traffic
As spring has sprung, work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project has already begun to pick up.
In late April, the new signalized intersection on Route 228 at the new connector roadway, linking Route 228 directly to Brickyard Road at The Gables will be in place, says Tina Gibbs, PennDOT community relations officer. In mid-May, a portion of Brickyard Road, from The Gables east to Route 228, will be closed while Penn-DOT crews widen and replace the existing roadway. A 30-day detour will be posted.
Parents/guardians are asked to note that this road closure will affect the route that many take during morning/afternoon student drop-off/pick-up as well as midday kindergarten pick-up/drop-off as the Mars Area School District Administration Office and Mars Area Primary Center cafeteria entrance will only be accessible via the roadway connecting Mars Area Elementary School to the Administration Office parking lot. The Mars Area Primary Center campus entrance and exit along Route 228 will not be affected by the road closure.
In June, construction will begin on an access road that will run parallel to Route 228 in front of Mars Area Primary Center and will connect the school’s parking lot to Brickyard Road. The work will include newly configured parking lots at the Primary Center and Administration Office as well as sidewalks and ADA accommodations, says Gibbs.
During the construction, access to the District’s Administration Office and Mars Area Primary Center will only be available via the Doc’s Way access road (by way of Three Degree Road). All work is expected to be completed prior to the start of the 2024-2025 School Year, at which time, all Route 228 access to Mars Area Primary Center, Mars Area Elementary School and the Administration Office will be by way of Brickyard Road.
In addition, construction on the new “Milky Way” access road behind Mars Area High School is progressing and is scheduled for completion prior to the start of next school year, says Gibbs. The new roadway will connect the high school’s rear parking lot to Three Degree Road.
The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two traffic circles. The overall project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information, when available.
Also of note, the Balls Bend Safety Improvement Project is entering the final phase of construction. Nighttime flagging with single lane closures will occur on Monday, April 15, on Route 228 at the Harbison Road/Park Road intersection; and, throughout the month, line painting and signal work will continue (weather permitting) and the new left turn lane onto Park Road will open. In addition, Route 228 traffic will be changing from a single lane to one lane eastbound and one lane westbound across the bridge near Davis Road.
This overall project, which is expected to be completed in January 2025, includes the addition of a travel lane in each direction and a center turn lane as well as the construction of four new structures, realigned local road connections, and a new signalized intersection at Route 228 and Park Road.
To receive news and updates on current and future PennDOT District 10 projects, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/Pages/default.aspx. In the right-hand column, scroll down to “Subscribe to District 10 News,” enter your e-mail address and click “Subscribe.”
For information specific to the Three Degree Road Intersection Project, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
Route 228 Work Slows During Winter Months (posted 01.04.24)
Route 228 Work Slows During Winter Months (posted 01.04.24)
Utility Relocation Continuing Along Three Degree, Brickyard Roads
Work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project has slowed during the winter season; however, utility relocation will continue.
This month, overhead utility work will resume along Route 228 in front of MHY Family Services and Mars Area Primary Center, says Tina Gibbs, PennDOT community relations officer. Work to relocate a gas line along Brickyard Road is also expected.
As weather permits, earthwork will continue behind Mars Area High School to prepare for the new “Milky Way” access road, which will connect the school’s western parking areas directly to a future traffic circle on Three Degree Road. The access road is expected to be completed by Fall 2023.
This overall safety improvement project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two traffic circles. The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information regarding the project. To receive news and updates on current and future PennDOT District 10 projects, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/Pages/default.aspx. In the right-hand column, scroll down to “Subscribe to District 10 News,” enter your e-mail address and click “Subscribe.”
For information specific to the Three Degree Road Intersection Project, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
Route 228 Construction to Continue into Fall (posted 08.30.23)
Route 228 Construction to Continue into Fall (posted 08.30.23)
New Signal, Jughandles to Open as Part of Ball’s Bend Project
Work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project is continuing into the fall season.
Throughout the summer months, crews continued earthwork and drainage work near Officer Edward Brooks Drive on Route 228 (East) as well as along a new township road that runs parallel to Route 228 (West) on its southern side, says Tina Gibbs, PennDOT community relations officer.
In September and October, construction crews will begin paving the township road, which will connect to Route 228 at a new signalized intersection at the newly completed Gables Court extension. The Gables Court connector remains closed at this time.
No changes to traffic patterns are expected during this work; however, crews recently installed a temporary concrete barrier on the southern shoulder of Route 228 (between Marland Drive and the Gables Court connector) to provide additional protection from ongoing earthwork in the area.
Moving forward, work will continue on the construction of a retaining wall on the south side of Route 228, across from the Adams Area Fire District Firehouse. And, tree removal and utility relocation will continue in and around the Route 228 corridor.
Ball’s Bend Project Update
Beginning at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, a new intersection will be open at Old State Route 8, where vehicles traveling east on Route 228 will be able to turn left onto the roadway. The intersection also includes a jughandle to enable vehicles to loop around and access westbound Route 228. No U-turns will be permitted at the intersection. Signs will be posted.
A new traffic signal, left turn lanes and a jughandle will also be in place at the intersection of Route 228 and Harbison Road/Park Road. At the intersection, vehicles travelling eastbound on Route 228 will be able to make a left turn onto Harbison Road and the jughandle will enable traffic to access westbound Route 228. No U-turns will be permitted.
A left-turn lane will be in place for westbound Route 228 motorists to access Park Road; however, the roadway will be closed from 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, through Saturday, Oct. 21, as crews begin work to realign the roadway and connect it to the newly constructed portion of Route 228. Work will include grading, paving and new guardrail and signage and a detour will be posted.
(For more information about the Ball’s Bend Project, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.)
The overall safety improvement projects are designed to provide better and safer traffic flow throughout the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two traffic circles. The Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District is working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information regarding the project.
To receive news and updates on current and future PennDOT District 10 projects, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/Pages/default.aspx. In the right-hand column, scroll down to “Subscribe to District 10 News,” enter your e-mail address and click “Subscribe.”
For information specific to the Three Degree Road Intersection Project, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
Route 228 Construction to Continue Through Summer (posted 05.25.23)
Route 228 Construction to Continue Through Summer (posted 05.25.23)
PennDOT crews are continuing work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project, which is part of the overall Route 228 Corridor Improvement Project that stretches from the Mars Railroad Bridge in Adams Township to Balls Bend in Middlesex Township.
Since the start of the project in April, crews have erected temporary protective fencing near Mars Area School District’s schools and have started clearing trees and relocating utilities in the areas where future road construction and earthwork will take place.
More specifically, crews are pre-paring for the construction of a new jug handle and access road that will provide “offline” driveway access to homes on the south side of Route 228 between Marland Drive and Brickyard Road as well as for a new “Gables Court” roadway, connecting Route 228 and Brickyard Road.
Crews have also cleared trees behind Mars Area High School, where a new “Milky Way” access road will be constructed this summer to connect the school’s western parking areas directly to a future traffic circle on Three Degree Road. The access road is expected to be completed by Fall 2023.
Also of note, crews have removed trees on the north side of Officer Edward Brooks Drive to make way for a fill project that will provide additional athletic field space at Mars Area Centennial School.
And, crews are preparing for drainage work and road construction along Officer Brooks Drive, near the access road’s intersection with Route 228. Beginning in June, the southern portion of Officer Brooks Drive will be temporarily closed and access to the District’s softball fields will only be available via the Mars Area Centennial School campus. (A detour will be posted.)
Throughout the summer and into the fall, additional work will include sewer line relocation as well as the construction of a new jughandle roadway at Marland Drive. Work will also continue on the construction of a retaining wall on the south side of Route 228 between the Mars Railroad Bridge and Marland Drive (across from the Adams Area Fire District Firehouse).
The overall safety improvement project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow through the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two roundabouts. The project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026.
Throughout the construction project, Mars Area School District will be working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information regarding the project. To receive news and updates on current and future PennDOT District 10 projects, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/Pages/default.aspx. In the right-hand column, scroll down to “Subscribe to District 10 News,” enter your e-mail address and click “Subscribe.”
For information specific to the Three Degree Road Intersection Project, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.
Route 228 Construction Project Beginning (posted 04.05.23)
Route 228 Construction Project Beginning (posted 04.05.23)
Earlier this week, PennDOT crews began work on the Route 228/Three Degree Road Intersection Project, which is part of the overall Route 228 Corridor Improvement Project.
Throughout the construction, Mars Area School District will be working in cooperation with PennDOT to provide updates and information regarding the project, which, despite its name, stretches from the Mars Railroad Bridge in Adams Township to Balls Bend in Middlesex Township.
This week, PennDOT crews will be placing temporary protective fencing near the District’s schools. While the fencing will provide a visual barrier between the project and the schools, there may be no immediate impacts to the area in front of Mars Area High School, says Tina Gibbs, PennDOT community relations officer, noting that multiple parts of the overall project will be completed out of the immediate eyeline of motorists and pedestrians.
Within the next four to six months, Route 228 construction work will be focused in areas west of the school campuses between Marland Drive and Brickyard Road. Clearing and utility work will be the first to occur.
In early April, a temporary concrete barrier will be put in place and traffic lanes will be shifted along Route 228 between the Mars Railroad Bridge and Marland Drive to facilitate the construction of a retaining wall (across from the Adams Area Fire District Firehouse), which will enable the widening of the eastbound lanes. In addition, a temporary traffic signal will be installed on Route 228 at the entrance to the firehouse. A barrier will also be installed along westbound Route 228 near Office Edwards Brooks Drive.
The barriers will allow for the continuous flow of traffic in each direction during daylight hours, says Gibbs. This initial work, which is weather dependent, is anticipated to occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. with no impact on traffic and from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. with potential short-term delays and is expected to be completed by Friday, April 7.
The overall safety improvement project is designed to provide better and safer traffic flow through the area with the addition of turning lanes, side road improvements, guide rail upgrades, signal replacements, signage and pavement markings, sidewalks, ADA ramps, and two roundabouts.
The project is anticipated to be fully completed in November 2026. To receive news and updates on current and future PennDOT District 10 projects, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/Pages/default.aspx. In the right-hand column, scroll down to “Subscribe to District 10 News,” enter your e-mail address and click “Subscribe.”
For information specific to the Three Degree Road Intersection Project, visit https://www.penndot.pa.gov/RegionalOffices/district-10/ConstructionsProjectsAndRoadwork/Pages/Route228CorridorImprovementProjects.aspx.