Hershey is world-renown for being the “Sweetest Place on Earth.” Its notoriety and diverse attractions makes this town a popular destination for millions of tourists each year. Therefore, it is imperative to have a transportation system that is efficient and safe and fosters the continued economic growth embodied in the vision of Hershey’s founder, Milton S. Hershey.
As plans for the future development of downtown Hershey were being made, Derry Township and prominent Hershey business and community leaders recognized that the existing 100-year-old transportation infrastructure required vast improvements to keep pace with the increased traffic flow resulting from this thriving community. This recognition resulted in a comprehensive phased approach to upgrade the outdated local transportation access system.
Phase 1 of this significant renovation project is complete and has initiated the revitalization of downtown Hershey. Phase 2 will involve the realignment of Park Boulevard to aid in access to the Hershey Entertainment Complex for the local community and provide opportunities for expansion of the complex.
The completed Phase 1 improvements to the main thoroughfares in Hershey, PA 743 Bridge and US 422 Square – the Hershey Square, have already shown direct and immediate results in stimulating the local economy.
Phase 1 of the plan involved the following complex renovations, which were carefully designed to preserve the cultural and historic significance of downtown Hershey.
- One of the primary components of this project was the replacement of a structurally deficient “orphan” bridge that carried Park Boulevard (PA 743) over Norfolk Southern Railroad into downtown Hershey. This bridge served as the primary connection between the Hersheypark, Zoo America, Hershey Outlets, Giant Center, Hershey Hotel recreational facilities and downtown Hershey. The deficient bridge was demolished and a new
- state-of-the-art non load restricted bridge was built to accommodate the traffic flow and improve access to varied destinations.
- In addition, an innovative intersection configuration was designed and constructed to realign the inefficient and awkward offset intersection at PA 743 and US 422, and included extensive pedestrian mobility accommodations.
- In keeping with the context of Hershey’s historic district, the revitalized streetscape includes historical period style signal and light poles, lighted period style bollards, custom logo tree grates, brick crosswalks, and ample landscaping.
These substantial improvements will be instrumental in advancing the downtown revitalization efforts, allowing the Hershey legacy to thrive.
