CITY ENGINEER
Projects
The Office of City Engineer, with the cooperation and assistance of private and public partners, supervises the development and execution of numerous road and bridge improvements throughout the city. We hope that you will take a few minutes to learn more about projects currently under development.
State Street Intersections Improvement Project
Project Purpose
The purpose of this project is to enhance the ingress and egress to Reservior Park and the park's many attractions.
Seventh Street Widening
Project Purpose
The purpose of this project is to widen Seventh Street, between Reily and Maclay Streets, from two lanes to four lanes wide. The Seventh Street Widening Project is intended to enhance ingress and egress to the Central Business District and State Capital Complex, from areas to the north and east. Specifically, this project will improve traffic flow from both I-81 and U.S. 22/322 and to divert traffic away from residential areas in north Harrisburg.
Southern Gateway
Project Purpose
The purpose of the project is to create and evaluate various development and transportation options in southern Harrisburg in the vicinity of the Interstate 83 interchange, including the potential extension of South Third Street (which now terminates at a rail crossing south of Chestnut Street). The project includes public involvement and applies engineering, environmental and other expertise to develop a range of alternatives. It also is being coordinated with other ongoing projects, such as the Corridor One light rail study.
The goals of the project are to improve traffic flow, develop land use and economic options, provide a more pedestrian-friendly environment, improve safety, improve access to developed and undeveloped areas, and to create an improved gateway to the city. This project may be a model for the US because of its focus on integrating land use, transportation planning and other issues.
Capital Corridors
Project Purpose
The purpose of this project was to beatify and enhance the streetscape on major corridors in Harrisburg, while increasing light levels and improving neighborhood safety.
Market Street Bridge Lighting
Project Purpose
The Market Street Bridge, which spans the Susquehanna River, is one of the most prominent historic structures in this area and has been designated an Historic Highway Bridge by the PA Historic and Museum Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was constructed in 1902 by the Harrisburg Bridge Company. The original lighting system on the bridge was partially removed during a “Repair” project in 1974, and the remaining system has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair. The Purpose of this project is to replace the existing “industrial” style streetlights on the Market Street Bridge with historic style fixtures, similar to the original lantern fixtures removed in 1974.
Traffic Signal Upgrades
The Office of the City Engineer applied for and received Federal funding to replace twenty-three (23) traffic signals, over the next five years. The signals to be replaced will be along the Market Street, 13th Street, 17th Street, Herr Street, Maclay Street, and 6th Street Corridors. The proposed signals will provide improved visibility and safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The total cost for the proposed upgrades will exceed four million dollars ($4,000,000).
Roadway Projects
This office is responsible for establishing the scope of work for paving, storm drainage and utility repair/replacement projects. The City Engineer acts as liaison with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District Engineer to plan, coordinate and review all highway and traffic control projects on state roads and bridges within City limits and all capital improvement projects that are constructed in partnership with PennDOT on a cost sharing basis.
In 1988, the City began a street resurfacing program using capital improvement funds. Since then, all city streets have been resurfaced at a cost of $9,581,317. Program scope included removal of old material to properly drain storm runoff, repair failed subbase areas, renew asphalt surface, repair and install storm inlets, clean all storm inlets, repair water valve access boxes and install access ramps at intersections. The Office of the City Engineer continues to assess the condition of City owned streets and develop new paving projects, as funding allows.