A dozen first responders and emergency personnel met with officials last week about the Route 209 paving project set for April 2018.

Cathy Longenecker, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation project manager, said the project is expected to cost $2.3 million.Work will be done from just north of the turnpike to the Monroe-Carbon county line, improving 9 miles of the highway.There will be no detours when work begins. Traffic will continue to move under the control of flaggers.No nighttime work is planned because it becomes more expensive. For the same reason there is not expected to be weekend work. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 or 6 p.m.Plans includes milling of the surface to a depth of 2 inches, with a new surface and new paving. Where there are dips in the road extra paving material will be used to smooth it out. Guide rails will be included in the improvements.Bids will be let in January 2018.Before the project begins, drainage work will be done at four locations: one near the school and several places near LaRose's Skating Rink in March 2018.People mentioned ponding water on Route 209 at the rink especially near Elm Street.Longenecker said she is hopeful that the project will be finished by the time school begins in September but it may run into early October.Christine Steigerwalt, principal at Towamensing Elementary School, was interested in the time schedule because of its effect on bus routes.The school and township officials must be notified if they are being affected at a certain time.Longenecker said people who have special needs should have phone numbers on file with the township.Randy and Lori Sterner from Trachsville Hill, Towamensing Township, asked if the intersection with Route 209 could be improved. Minor improvements can be made for better sight but the road will not be changed.Towamensing Supervisor Tom Newman, was told nothing will be done about the Forest Inn Intersection, although there has been talk for years about making the Y intersection into a T."No geometry changes will be made," Longenecker said.The right of way on Route 209 is 33 feet at places and 50 feet at others.