Major Drainage Project Underway In Lower Makefield

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA — A major drainage improvements project is planned for Highland Avenue to replace the aging existing culvert, township officials said.

The township held a pre-construction community meeting last week to discuss the Highland Drive Drainage Improvement Project.

The road closure began on Monday, officials said.

The project is expected to take at least six months, according to the timeline. (See below)

Township officials said the project will:

• Replace the existing culvert
• Rehabilitate and expand the existing storm sewer system
• Provide additional controlled stormwater flow capacity
• Restore the surrounding streambanks and roadway areas impacted by construction.
• Enhance structural integrity of the culvert crossing.
• Provide erosion controls and streambank restoration to protect water quality and habitats.
• Create long-term improvements to stormwater management and roadway.

The contractor is James D. Morrissey, Inc. The project costs is anticipated to be $985,777.

The work will be done on Highland Drive, where the roadway crosses a tributary to the Delaware River.

The work will be performed in conjuction with PECO and Pennsylvania American Water, who will complete utility improvements/relocations in the project area.

Coordination of schedules and activities will minimize impacts to residents and ensure the long-term reliability of both the culvert and underground utilities.

Here is an overview of the work that will be performed:

• Mobilization: Contractor set-up, permitting, and culvert delivery.
• Traffic Control: Detours, signage, and barrie
• Erosion & Sediment Control: Compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Bucks County Conservation District standards.
• Easement Access & Site Clearing: Clearing of trees and invasive species, streambank preparation.
• Streamflow Diversion: Temporary cofferdam for in-stream work.
• Culvert Replacement: Removal of existing culvert and installation of 16’ Span CON/SPAN OSeries Box Culvert with retaining walls and wingwalls.
• Storm Sewer Improvements: Replacement of storm pipes and structures, with temporary and permanent roadway restorations.
• Concrete Curb & Pavement: Removal and replacement of curbing, permanent roadway reconstruction, milling, and paving.
• Landscaping & Restoration: Streambank stabilization, seeding, matting, and tree replacement.

Drainage Project Schedule

The tentative schedule for the project (subject to weather and utility coordination) is:

• September 2025 – Pre-construction coordination with PECO and PAW.
• Sept. 15, 2025 – Advance detour signage posted
• Sept. 23, 2025 — Pre-construction Community Meeting
• Sept. 29, 2025—January 8, 2026—Closure of Highland Drive from its intersection with Taylorsville Road to Upton Lane and detour
• October 2025 – Contractor mobilization, site clearing. Culvert demolition and utility relocations.
• November 2025 – Storm sewer installation, roadway base repair, curbing, and streambank restoration.
• December 2025 – Installation of new culvert, retaining wall, and temporary pavement.
• January 2026 – Roadway open for traffic.
• May 2026 – Final paving, landscaping, and project completion.