Construction on Route 228 has become a familiar sight for motorists, but the work is nearing completion.

Representatives from the Department of Transportation and Congressman Mike Kelly were in Mars on Monday to discuss the current status of the Route 228 project. The Route 228 Corridor project stretches from the Beaver County line to Route 8 in Butler.

Many projects along Route 228 have been completed. These include the Freedom Road Turnpike Bridge, the Route 19 Freedom Road/Route 228 intersection, the Route 228/I-79 ramps, the MSA Thruway, the Pittsburgh Street intersection, and the Mars Railroad Bridge.

Still under construction is the Balls Bend intersection, scheduled for completion in January 2025. Phase One of Freedom Road is complete, but environmental impact assessments are currently being completed, while Phase Two will be completed in November 2025. Finally, Three Degree Road will be completed in November 2026.

These projects were all funded through the federal BUILD Fund program, with the gaps made up by funding from PennDOT and local funds.

The county still needs more than $90 million to complete the Mars Railroad Bridge West Expansion. PennDOT officials say they can fund about 25% of the project, with outside funding needed for the rest.

Congressman Mike Kelly believes this funding is necessary not only for economic reasons, but also for the safety of children.