Spring Cleanup
03/14/2024
Loyalhanna Sinkhole Restoration Project Begins
In the winter of 2023, a large sinkhole formed near the intersection of Route 30 East and Fred Rogers Drive in Unity Township, Westmoreland County. Spanning about 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 20 feet deep, it posed a serious risk to nearby homes, roads, and a local school.
The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, working with Unity Township, PennDOT District 12, and engineering firm HRG, quickly stepped in to create a restoration plan. The project will be completed in two phases:
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Phase 1 (Starting mid-April 2025): Stabilize the sinkhole’s sides to stop it from getting worse.
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Phase 2 (Starting May 2025): Reroute the stream, install a new culvert, and fill the sinkhole with a mix of stone and soil.
The work is expected to wrap up by July, with a vegetation restoration phase planned for spring 2026, which will bring native trees and plants back to the area.
Temporary Road Closures: Fred Rogers Drive will have intermittent closures between April and September 2025. While local traffic will have limited access, school bus routes and pedestrians may be affected. The timeline may shift due to weather conditions.
For more details, contact the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.
Read more about the Loyalhanna Creek Sinkhole Restoration Timeline here.