The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) partnered with KCI to improve safety and mobility for all users through the widening of a 4,000-foot stretch of Pennsylvania Route 68 from Dolby Street to Trout Run.
Facing congestion and limited pedestrian access along this high-volume urban corridor, KCI completed preliminary engineering and final design to add a center turning lane, sidewalks on both sides, and at-grade pedestrian crossings controlled by rectangular rapid flashing beacons, while replacing a deteriorated slab bridge with a precast box culvert. The work encompassed nearly 50 driveways and 65 ADA-compliant ramps, presenting challenges due to grades exceeding seven percent.
To deliver the project efficiently and remain at the forefront of evolving technology, KCI proposed implementing the Model as the Legal Document (MALD) “Digital Delivery” pilot approach, in which the 3D model serves as the official contract document. Leveraging Bentley OpenRoads Designer and Synchro Control, the team created a comprehensive digital model that provided contractors with direct access to visualization, quantities, and corridor data, eliminating the need for traditional plan sheets and streamlining coordination throughout design and construction.
As one of the first MALD projects advanced through PennDOT’s pilot initiative, SR 68 not only eased congestion and enhanced pedestrian safety but also set a new benchmark for innovation, shaping the future of digital project delivery in Pennsylvania.
