Replacements Begin on Taylor Run and Spur Run Bridges

The Spur Run and Taylor Run bridges on Route 66 in Bethel Township will be replaced.

Residents of Bethel Township and motorists who travel on Route 66 are to benefit from the replacement of these two structurally deficient bridges in Armstrong County.

The Taylor Run and Spur Run Bridges were built in 1926 and carry approximately 3,135 vehicles per day. They will each be replaced with precast reinforced-concrete box culverts to provide a safer mode of travel for motorists.

Starting tomorrow – Wednesday, June 19 -temporary traffic signals will be utilized for long-term one-lane closures at both bridge locations.

PennDOT reminds motorists to be alert to changing conditions and to pay attention to flaggers in the work zone.  Remember fines are doubled; drive responsibly in work zones for your safety and the safety of the workers.

This $2,057,030 bridge replacement project is being constructed by Donegal Construction Corp. of Greensburg.  The project is expected to be completed in October 2013.

FirstEnergy Solutions Named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

A division of FirstEnergy Solutions has been selected as a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Award recipient for its continued commitment and dedication to helping clients further the energy performance of their buildings and promoting the benefits of the ENERGY STAR program.

FirstEnergy Solutions’ accomplishments was recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, March 26.

The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year – Sustained Excellence Awards are given to a select group of organizations that have exhibited outstanding leadership year after year across the ENERGY STAR program, including energy-efficient products, services, new homes and buildings in the commercial, industrial and public sectors. Award winners are selected from the nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.

“Receiving a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award is an honor, especially since this is the third consecutive year our group is being recognized,” said Trent Smith, vice president of Sales & Marketing for FirstEnergy Solutions. “We achieved this win in partnership with our clients, who entrust us with helping them save money by managing their energy portfolio more effectively.”

The FirstEnergy Solutions Energy Services group’s key achievements include:

- Awarding 84 ENERGY STAR client certifications in 2012 – a 100 percent increase from 2011

- Helping more than 180 buildings improve their energy performance rating by at least 10 points in 2012

- Quantifying more than $257,000 in energy rebates in Ohio, representing approximately 6.9 million kilowatt-hours in energy efficiency projects

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. Nearly 20,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and buildings.