By Elizabeth Perry
Kennedy Township is accepting bids for the repair of Aiken Road Extension to be submitted by Aug. 8.
The road has been in a state of collapse for several years after a previous repair did not solve the issue of damage caused by a heavy landslide.
“It’s about time we’re bidding,” Tax Collector Mel Weinstein said during the July 13 caucus and business meeting.
While Aiken Road Extension is not maintained by PennDOT, the state transportation entity did award a $382,771 Multimodal Transportation Fund grant in April 2021 toward its repair. Traffic flowing along Aiken Road Extension has been forced to alternate one-way around the section of sunken road.
Weinstein said the estimated cost of the project at this time is between $700,000 to $800,000 at the township’s July 13 caucus and business meeting.
The road repair will include installation of a guard rail, improved drainage and restoration of the existing wall.
The Aiken Road Extension disrepair has caused consternation to residents and government officials alike. Township Manager Greg Clarke said residents had complained about the state of the road and told Weinstein they did not vote for his son, John Weinstein, for Allegheny County Controller because they were angry about the lingering issue.
Clarke said during the July 13 meeting the township owns a very small portion of the road. He believes only 12% of Kennedy residents use the road, while the majority of people driving over it are from Robinson Township.
In other news:
• Commissioners unanimously voted to accept a loan agreement with First National Bank to purchase a new 2023 Ford F-550 dump truck for spreading salt and plowing. The loan for $88,754.62 will be paid over 80 months with an interest rate of 5.42%.
• Clarke unsealed three sealed bids for the old Ford F-550 2009 truck complete with plow, dump body and salt spreader included. William Yarnot submitted the highest bid, at $8,882 which commissioners voted unanimously to amend the agenda and accept.