PennDOT plans roundabout at Route 343 and Kochenderfer Road, solicits feedback

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has posted an online display showing details of the State Route 343 resurfacing and intersection improvement project in Lebanon city, North Lebanon Township, and Swatara Township.

The virtual plan display will be available online through May 16. Members of the public are invited to review the plans and submit comments to PennDOT by that date.

According to a release from PennDOT, mill and overlay work begins north of Reinoehl Street in the city for about 80 feet before crossing into North Lebanon Township, where the work will continue for just over 2 miles to the border of Swatara Township near the intersection with Heffelfinger Road. The work continues for another 350 feet into Swatara Township to the end of project.

The project involves safety improvements at the intersection of North 7th Street (Route 343) with Kimmerlings Road (T-805) and Kochenderfer Road (T-487). Work is anticipated to include the construction of a new roundabout at the intersection, the release said.

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The work will also include drainage improvements and updated signing and pavement markings. The proposed Route 343 section will be composed of 11-foot travel lanes and existing shoulders with a minimum width of 3 feet. The proposed roundabout would include a 45-foot central island, 15-foot truck apron, and 20-foot travel lane with a curbed gutter.

Traffic will be maintained on Route 343 during construction, the release said. Detours for Kimmerlings and Kochenderfer roads using local collector roadways will be implemented during specific stages of construction. Temporary construction easements and right-of-way acquisitions are also anticipated, the release noted; PennDOT will coordinate directly with impacted property owners.

From North to South, the detour for Kimmerlings Road will consist of the following
roads: N. 8th Ave, Miller Street. From North to South, the detour for Kochenderfer Road consists of the following roads: W. Kercher Ave, Sandhill Road, Mechanic Street.

Utilities will be impacted by construction and relocations are being coordinated with facility owners.

The project is currently in preliminary design and construction work is anticipated to be begin in spring 2027 and wrap up in summer 2028, subject to all approvals, environmental clearances, and funding availability. The estimated construction cost is $5.4 million.

The plans will be available for public viewing online only, the release said.

The purpose of the online display is to introduce the project and receive questions or concerns from the public, including the project’s potential impact upon cultural resources in the area, the release said.

The project documents can be made available in alternative languages or formats if requested. If you need translation/interpretation services or have special needs or have special concerns that require individual attention, contact Adam Wright, PennDOT project manager, at adamwright@pa.gov or 717-772-4028.