Supervisors approve expanded Manor Drive/Route 22 grant request after scope and cost grow to $418,564

The West Hanover Township Board of Supervisors voted to approve Resolution 2026-33 directing staff to prepare a grant application to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the Manor Drive/Route 22 Corridor Improvement Project, increasing the project scope and the estimated grant ask to $418,564.

The expansion adds a walkway and curb between the intersection at Route 22 and the elementary school, and upgrades aging flashing school beacons and pedestrian poles. Scott Holmes, who led the project presentation for township staff, said the extension was intended to improve safety in the school zone and make the application more competitive for funding. "As we look at this expanded scope, it takes the total of the project to $418,564," Holmes said. "We also feel that the connection between the intersection and the school will make this a much more attractive project for funding."

Holmes told the board the higher figure reflects the cost of updated school-safety signals and additional permitting and engineering. He said the township intends to include the entire expanded scope in the grant ask: "Every dime would, you know, be in the ask." Board members and staff discussed engineering costs, permit requirements from PennDOT and the grant rules; staff explained that some engineering costs could be reimbursed through grant mechanisms but that construction should not begin before a grant award because pre-award construction costs would likely be ineligible.

The board also approved a related West Hanover Comprehensive Trail Network Feasibility Study Supplement No. 3, a $44,660 contract amendment to cover additional engineering, surveying, base mapping and school-zone beacon upgrades for the project extension. Holmes said the supplement covers the extra surveying and signal-permit work required by PennDOT: "The school zone upgrades were quite expensive in and of themselves." He added the township could withhold an optional right-of-way coordination task unless needed.

Board members noted the timetable is tied to grant decisions and PennDOT permitting; staff said construction would ideally be completed before the 2027 school year and that the township will seek alternative funding or phase the project if the grant is not awarded. The motion to submit the grant application and to approve Supplement No. 3 passed by voice vote.