HOLLIDAYSBURG– As part of an ongoing PennDOT drainage improvement project along State Route 36 in Blair County, the contractor will be removing existing trees in the median area of Route 36 (South Logan Boulevard) between Altoona and Hollidaysburg beginning on Monday, Sept. 28. This removal is a response to underground disturbance from the drainage improvement project, site distance concerns and the unknown effect this may have on the aging, deteriorated trees within the median. This work is part of a coordinated tree removal and replanting effort between Frankstown, Allegheny and Logan townships, the City of Altoona and PennDOT.
Concerned community members contacted Sen. Judy Ward’s (R-30) office for tree replacement support, which resulted in Ward’s office initiating discussions with PennDOT 9-0 and the impacted municipalities, then reaching out to the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). Thanks to a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant, the conservancy will be providing and planting 58 new trees this November that will be suitable for urban environments, enhancing aesthetics and strengthening stormwater control in the median area. In addition, PennDOT’s contractor will be planting approximately 40 more new trees along the State Route 36 corridor through Hollidaysburg Borough.
“The Logan Boulevard Corridor is a heavily traveled route through the heart of Blair County, so making it a welcoming, attractive streetscape is important,” said Ward. “These new aesthetically pleasing, low maintenance trees will create a beautiful route for area travelers for many years to come. I am thankful for the hard work and cooperation from PennDOT 9-0, the WPC and the municipal representatives and applaud their commitment to making this corridor safe and inviting.”
New Enterprise Stone and Lime Co., Inc., New Enterprise, is the lead contractor for the $5.4 million pavement preservation and drainage improvements project, which includes resurfacing 3.5 miles of Route 36 (Logan Boulevard) from U.S. 22 (Blair Street) in Hollidaysburg to Route 1001 (Plank Road) in Altoona, and various pipe culvert replacements, tree removal, guide rail and signage upgrades through Hollidaysburg, Altoona, and Frankstown, Allegheny and Logan townships. The project is expected to be completed in October 2026.
As always, drivers are reminded to use extra caution in all work zones. Motorists should drive slowly, eliminate all distractions and stay alert for direction from advanced signage and flaggers.
Contact: Matt Deegan