Congressman Deluzio Provides Update on Plans to Replace Major Roadway in Rochester

CENTER TOWNSHIP, PA — Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) gave an update on the plans to fully replace and upgrade a critical 1.3 mile stretch of Route 68 in Rochester Borough and Rochester Township, Beaver County. The heavily trafficked road that connects a school, government buildings, business, and residential areas is in a state of disrepair and beyond rehabilitation. A full reconstruction is required, and Congressman Deluzio secured $500,000 in federal funding to help. 

“It doesn’t matter what your politics are—all of us want to be able to safely get from point A to B without busting a tire on a pothole or worse,” said Congressman Deluzio. “This major stretch of roadway through Rochester is crumbling, and the good people of Beaver County need action to fix it. I’m proud to help put federal dollars to work in our community for projects that make life better.” 

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is currently in the process of preparing highway reconstruction plans for Route 68 along Adams Street and Virginia Avenue. Construction is expected to begin this spring and finish in the fall of 2026.  

PennDOT is planning a full-width roadway reconstruction where all the existing asphalt, brick, and concrete base will be removed and replaced with a full depth asphalt pavement. Other anticipated work includes traffic signal upgrades, concrete curb replacement, drainage updates and adjustments, guide rail updates, signing updates, and pavement marking/delineation updates. The total project cost is estimated at $7.5 million. 

The traffic control plan does include closures and detours of Route 68. Access will be maintained as required for homes and businesses located within the closed section. More information on detour plans can be found on the PennDOT project page or the project map which is available here. 

Congressman Deluzio first announced this community project funding with Rochester Borough officials and representatives from PennDOT in August, 2024. Photos from that event are available for use by the press and can be found here.  

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