The Wayne County Commissioners have endorsed PennDOT construction plans for the widening and upgrading of a commercial strip of U.S. Route 6 in Texas Township.

According to PennDOT, the plan is to widen the existing two-lane road between State Route 652 and Brook Road (SR 2009) which is just west of Joe's Kwik Mart.

Other work includes concrete curbing, storm water drainage system, driveway adjustments, guide rail, signs and pavement markings.

Speaking after the June 6 commissioners’ meeting, Commissioner Jonathan Fritz and Commissioners Chair Brian Smith voiced their support of PennDOT plans presented at a recent informational meeting.

Commissioner Wendell Kay did not attend the morning meeting and was not available for comment.

Smith called the decision “a no-brainer.” He said the plans for the projected 2016 work looked like a good design. “There is a lot traffic turning there and the road needs a third lane.

Fritz said the daily highway traffic count of 14,450 determined the need, saying “safety is paramount.”

Both agreed PennDOT would have challenges with drainage and water during the work, but Smith added that the commissioners had won assurances that efforts would be made to keep businesses along the stretch open during construction.

Fritz credited PennDOT for its outreach on the project, which he said allowed for the conveyance of the community’s concerns and ideas.

In other business, the commissioners approved the Wayne County Department of Public Welfare renewal application for Wayne County Children and Youth Services, and appointed William Fentress to fill the unexpired vacancy caused by the resignation of John Gearing from the South Wayne Water and Sewer Authority.

They also accepted the July 5 resignation of Richard Ferraro, who has served as care management supervisor for the Area Agency on Aging, and is retiring.

They also received correspondence reporting the PA Department of Environmental Protection’s granting of a waiver to Bedrock Quarries for non-coal exploration drilling in Damascus Township.

The commissioners confirmed the May 28 termination of corrections officer Susan Kundrat, who was initially hired to the position in September of 2008.

The commissioners meet regularly 10:30 a.m., on Tuesdays, for work sessions; and on Thursdays for official business.