Brewster Working with PennDOT to Safely Reopen Bunola River Road

Brewster Working with PennDOT to Safely Reopen Bunola River Road

January 30, 2020

McKeesport − January 30, 2020 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is working with officials from the Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to reopen Bunola River Road.

Brewster said the road will reopen once a new temporary signal and a permanent power source are secured. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently closed the road to thru traffic after vehicles were witnessed running the lights creating a safety hazard. The road was originally closed to one lane last year due to a landslide.

Brewster said that Bunola River Road is a main artery for many residents and businesses along the Monongahela River in Elizabeth and Forward townships. PennDOT said it was closing the road to non-emergency traffic. The lawmaker said he was advised that once a power source is secured that can safely operate the lights the road will reopen.

Brewster’s statement follows:

“My offices have been receiving calls, emails and letters from constituents voicing their concerns about the repairs and closure of Bunola River Road. I understand their frustration.

“I have traveled Bunola River Road for over 40 years and know firsthand the importance of this road to area businesses, residents and the community. While there have been issues with the one-lane travel procedure that was put into place while the road is being repaired, I’ve asked PennDOT to help find funding and expedite work to safely open the roadway.

“PennDOT officials, especially District Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni, have done an excellent job of identifying alternatives and working through issues to try and reopen the roadway as soon as possible.”

District Engineer Sirianni’s statement:

“The Department’s intention from the beginning was to maintain a single-lane of traffic in order to avoid a lengthy detour for the community, but due to serious safety concerns we were forced to close the roadway.  With the assistance of Senator Brewster and Representative Puskaric, PennDOT is in the process of evaluating options to allow us to safely open the roadway in the near future.”

Bunola River Road closure affects Elizabeth Borough, West Elizabeth Borough, Forward Township and Elizabeth Township.

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Brewster: State Funding Approved for New Water Pump Project in Elizabeth Borough

Brewster: State Funding Approved for New Water Pump Project in Elizabeth Borough

January 31, 2019

Harrisburg – January 31, 2019 – A state financing agency has approved funding for a critical project in Elizabeth Borough, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced. 

The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) approved $8.8 million in loan funding for the Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority’s new water pump station project.

 “Ensuring that our communities are receiving clean water is critical and the installation of this new water pump will improve water quality in the area,” Brewster said.

PENNVEST noted that the current water pump station has been experiencing issues with wet weather sewage overflows. The consistent overflows and flooding of the station have decreased the capability of the water pumps to adequately remove grit and contaminants.

With the installation of a new pump station, the municipal authority will be able to better accommodate the amount of wet weather sewage and improve contaminant screening and treatment.

The new water pump station will serve residents in the borough as well as other customers in Elizabeth Township, Lincoln Borough, and Forward Township.

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