PennDOT District 10 welcomes you to the official website for the State Route 68 (I-80 to Main Street) Improvement Project. Route 68 is a two-lane road that passes through the municipalities of Monroe and Clarion Townships and Clarion Borough in central Clarion County.

The project area begins at the interchange with Interstate 80 (I-80) in the south and extends approximately two miles north to the intersection with Route 322 (Main Street) in Clarion. This heavily traveled corridor includes a mixture of residential properties and businesses, as well as a highly commercialized area near I-80. Route 68 also provides access to Clarion University, Clarion Hospital, and Clarion County offices.

The project team, including PennDOT District 10 staff and a consultant team, has completed initial environmental and traffic studies to identify aspects of the roadway in need of improvement along Route 68. Subsequent steps include the development of preliminary alternatives that address the identified project needs, selection of a preferred alternative and environmental clearance followed by final design, and ultimately construction. Public involvement is important to ensure that the project reflects community input and is consistent with local and regional goals for the area.

Input from the public as well as local, state, and federal officials will be sought at each step of the development process.

State Route 68 (I-80 to Main Street) Clarion Improvement Project Update

The study phase of the project has been completed and the project needs have been approved by PennDOT and Federal Highway Administration. Several alternatives for improvement of the roadway were identified and presented to the public at an October 2007 public meeting. Since that time, work on the project has concluded due to funding priorities within PennDOT to address highway and bridge maintenance projects. It is uncertain as to when work will begin again on this project. PennDOT wishes to thank you for your understanding and support.

Summer/Fall 2009 Maintenance Projects State Route 68 in Clarion

S.R. 68 Paving (Clarion Mall to Main Street)

S.R. 68 is to be paved during Summer 2009 from the Clarion Mall to Main Street.

Clarion Oaks Bridge Restoration Project (S.R. 68 over I-80)

Work is expected to start on July 1, 2009 on the restoration of the existing bridge carrying S.R. 68 over I-80. Work will consist of replacing the bridge deck; repair of bridge beams, abutments and piers; roadway approach pavement; patch and asphalt overlay of existing pavement; guide rail replacement; signing and pavement markings; and other miscellaneous work. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained for the duration of the project utilizing temporary traffic signals at the I-80 ramp intersections. Work is expected to be suspended over the Winter 2009-2010 with the project anticipated to be complete by July 2010. The contractor for the project is HRI, Inc. of State College, PA.