We have learned that PennDOT will be doing base repair and resurfacing of New Galena Rd affecting access to the Lower School starting Tuesday, September 8th and will be working on this stretch of road for 2-3 weeks. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRETY OF THIS EMAIL IF YOU DROP OFF OR PICK UP STUDENTS AT THE LOWER SCHOOL INCLUDING SHUTTLE RIDERS TO/FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL OR HAVE STUDENTS RIDING THE BUS HOME FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL.
The PennDOT press release on the road work can be read here:
Upon notification, we immediately reached out to New Britain Township public works team. New Britain also just received notice (they are not involved in this project), and referred us to PennDOT. We have spoken with the PennDOT project manager who will be onsite for the duration of this project, and we will be working closely with him to ensure that disruption of school traffic is kept to a minimum. We requested either a date shift or a daily time shift to their schedule, but both requests were denied so we will make the best of it- as a positive New Galena Road will be greatly improved by the end of the project! Additionally, we have been assured by PennDOT that all school traffic will be accommodated to the best of their ability.
Here are the details as we currently understand from PennDOT:
The work will commence on Tuesday, September 8th at the intersection of Callowhill and New Galena Rd at the intersection and in front of the school, highlighted on the map below.
PennDOT will be working down 1 side of New Galena Rd until reaching PA-152 (1-2 weeks), then turning around and working back the other side of New Galena Rd to Callowhill Rd (1-2 weeks). Daily working hours are 7AM-4PM.
Traffic Plans for PCS Faculty, Buses, and Parents:
Tuesday, September 8th, all faculty and parents dropping off should access the Lower School by entering New Galena Rd from PA-152 if possible to avoid the heaviest congestion and plan on additional time to enter and exit the school. We will have additional administrative personnel on hand mornings and afternoons that first week to coordinate with PennDOT personnel and provide daily updates as to the best entrance side for the following day(s).
Additionally, we are making the following option available for parents needing to avoid unexpected delays or pickup times. During the entire road work period, LS students may be dropped off at the Upper School and catch a PCS shuttle bus to the Lower School (drop off by 7:50) and/or shuttle from the Lower School to the Upper School in the afternoon, with pickup from the Upper School at 3:20 PM (subject to any shuttle delays from construction). You MUST email Mr. Shiel (bshiel@plumsteadchristian.org) with days you will be using this option so he has an accurate roster and sufficient seating.
We will have staff at the upper school to support drop off and pick up of LS students.
General guidelines for these 2-3 weeks:
1. If you are dropping off or picking up at the Lower School, please plan on delays both arriving and leaving. We anticipate the heaviest delays the first 1-2 days and the last 1-2 days of work as they work directly in front of and around the school entrance and exit. Thank you for your patience as we work with PennDOT to ensure the safety and timeliness of students during their project.
2. Buses may be delayed as well, so do not be alarmed if buses are running 5-15 minutes behind the normal schedule in the afternoon.
3. This email is our attempt to communicate everything we know and have been told by PennDOT, but they are running the project and their plans are subject to change with or without notice to us. We will communicate any changes to the best of our ability.
4. PennDOT has asked that all questions and concerns about this project be directed to the following individual:
Helen Reinbrecht | Community Relations Coordinator
PA Department of Transportation | Engineering District 6
Phone: 610-205-6799 | hreinbrech@pa.gov
PCS bus and shuttle questions should be directed to Mr. Shiel.
Lower School drop off/pick up questions should be directed to Mrs. Kipp.
Specific concerns about the PennDOT crews and the work can be directed to Ms. Reinbrecht (cc: Mr. Lapp if sending an email)
Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding in navigating this project!