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Oakmont Council warned of multiweek railroad crossing and sidewalk work by PennDOT; residents raise traffic concerns
Summary
Council members shared advance notice from PennDOT that ADA sidewalk/ramps and a multijurisdictional railroad crossing upgrade will require temporary closures and detours this summer into 2027; residents and councilors urged coordination on flagging, timing and business notifications.
Oakmont Borough Council heard a staff reading of PennDOT correspondence warning of two separate projects that will affect the borough this summer and into 2027: ADA ramp and sidewalk replacements on Allegheny Avenue and a larger railroad crossing upgrade that will require temporary closures and detours.
Scott, a borough staff member, told the council PennDOT will fund the sidewalk work and expects the crossings project to require about three to four weeks of work, with some contractor activity possibly beginning June 26 and limited work before July 4. He said PennDOT "was not warm and fuzzy about that date either," and that engineers plan deep subgrade work at some crossings rather than prefabricated panels, which could lengthen closures.
The council and residents focused on traffic impacts and detours. One resident who lives on Third Street said she counted 775 vehicles on a two-hour stretch and warned that contractor closures will funnel traffic into neighborhood cut-throughs. Council members discussed asking the contractor to provide flagging operations, coordinating temporary parking restrictions, and notifying the Chamber of Commerce and nearby businesses about the schedule.
Councilors suggested asking PennDOT to start smaller portions of work before July 4 while pausing major closures for holiday periods, and to minimize impacts on truck routes and turning radiuses. Staff said they will issue a press release and share updates on social media as more details become available.
Why it matters: The crossing upgrades and ADA ramp work will change traffic patterns in a section of Oakmont used by shoppers and school traffic. Council members emphasized early communication to residents and businesses and contractor flagging to reduce pressure on neighborhood streets.
What’s next: Borough staff will track detailed start dates from PennDOT, coordinate public notifications and parking restrictions, and relay further updates to residents and businesses.
