Published: October 25, 2009 11:25 pm      

In brief: Prepare for delays on area roadways

JOHNSTOWN — Quaker Sales Corp. will begin work today on a $5.2 million contract for the removal of fallen rock debris on Route 271 (Menoher Boulevard), rock scaling and tree removal work on Route 56 and improvements to Route 219 from the Galleria interchange to the Sidman interchange.

Minimal delays are possible on Route 271, where daylight traffic will use a single lane controlled by flaggers.

The work on Route 56 will require a lane closure between Walters Avenue and Widman Street westbound only. The westbound Widman Street on/off ramp will be closed for two to three weeks. Detour routes will be in place.

Planning is under way for improvements to 4.5 miles of Route 219 under the same contract. Road work is expected to begin in the spring.

Cambria system draws nationwide attention

EBENSBURG – Cambria County’s high-tech wireless communications system is drawing a lot of interest nationwide, the commissioners said Friday.

Allegheny County officials will spend a day this month to review the system, including the opportunity to monitor dams, waterways and bridges and even smart parking meters, it was reported.

In addition, officials of Nevada City, Calif., are looking at Cambria’s system as a model for a new one to be set up there.

MH/MR director resigns post

EBENSBURG – The Cambria County commissioners have accepted the resignation of the medical director of the county’s mental-health and mental-retardation system.

Dr. Richard Cassone, who has been with the county for seven years, will leave the $189,000-a-year position Nov. 7.

The commissioners said that they expect a new director would be named through a contracted service.