Subsidence Causes One-lane Traffic Restriction Along Old Leechburg Road in Plum

A portion of Old Leechburg Road in Plum will be restricted to one-lane traffic indefinitely after rain caused the hillside below the road to collapse on Wednesday.

The closure is about 100 feet long between Ross Hollow Road and Leopard Court.

"A slide occurred below the roadway, causing a portion of the road to collapse," according to Struzzi."It looks like (the closure) could be long term."

At first, PennDOT planned to close the road because the affected area is near a bend, and there were concerns about not providing enough sight distance for one-way traffic.

"After further review, they decided to keep the roadway opened reduced to a single- lane alternating use," Struzzi said.

About 2,165 vehicles use this area of Old Leechburg Road on an average day. Temporary stop signs will control traffic, Struzi said. No timeline has been established to repair the roadway. 

Motorists should use caution and be prepared for stop-and-go traffic conditions.

Old Leechburg is a state road, also known as state Route 2076. A two-man PennDOT crew was out surveying the damage on Old Leechburg Road just before 10 a.m.

"It's my understanding some previous slides have occurred in this area," Struzzi said.