The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced a start date of Monday, March 27, for a bridge replacement project along Route 153 in Horton Township, Elk County. Replacing the bridge will improve the structure’s rating from “poor” to “good.”

The contractor will place long-term signage for the project and start clearing trees near the existing structure on Monday. Traffic control will consist of lane closures with flaggers in the roadway providing traffic control during daylight hours. Drivers should expect some delays during daylight hours. Once the contractor clears the trees, they will start work on a temporary roadway, which traffic will use to pass through the work zone for the project duration.

Overall work includes the removal of the existing bridge, building its replacement, concrete repairs, approach paving, drainage improvements, pavement markings, and miscellaneous items. Francis J. Palo, Inc. of Clarion, PA, is the contractor on this $2.5 million project. PennDOT anticipates completion in late October, but all work is weather dependent. PennDOT will issue project updates as work progresses.

Built in 1961, the bridge spans Toby Creek in Horton Township about 500 feet south of the intersection with Route 219. It is 105 feet long and carries an average of 2,467 vehicles daily.

The Potter County Artisan Co-op in Coudersport is offering  a two-part beginner  knitting class. The first session will be held April 8  and the second part will  be held April 22, . Both will be held from 1:00 to 3:30 pm at the co-op, 227 N. Main Street. Cost is $40.00 total. Supplies not included. In session 1, Fiber Artist Lee Trayer will teach basics and what to buy and where—yarn and needles, reading the label, slip knot,  easy cast-on and the knit stitch.

The second class will include instruction on knitting, purling and easy bind-off. Students who are “stuck” on a project are invited to take it to the class. To register, contact the co-op at 814-274-8165  and speak to a volunteer or email pottercountyartisancenter@gmail.com. Registration cannot be guaranteed through Facebook or Messenger.

The Value of Large Woody Debris in Streams

Kane, Pa. – April 6 is the last date to register for the Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum to take place April 13 at the Wilcox Community Center in Wilcox, Pa.  Registrations are required and you must register with the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, Pa., 16735.  You may also call 814-837-8550, or e-mail bcarson@ahug.com.  The Wilcox Community Center is also called the Jones Township Community Center, and is located at 320 Faries St.

Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., and dinner at 6:30 p.m.  The program will start immediately after dinner.