Heavy Traffic Expected for Ag Progress Days

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days is expected to once again draw upwards of 45,000 visitors to Rock Springs this week, and Ferguson Township police are advising residents and visitors to expect heavy traffic and traffic pattern changes in the west end of the township during the event.

Now in its 47th year, Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural expo will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center on Route 45.

West College Avenue (Route 26), Pine Grove Road (Route 45) and West Whitehall Road in and near Pine Grove Mills “will be extremely congested,” particularly during rush hours, according to a traffic advisory.

“Motorists are asked to allow extra driving time for their commutes and delays should be expected,” police wrote in a news release. “The use of alternate routes is suggested.”

Nixon Road will be closed between West Whitehall Road and Pine Grove Road from 3 to 7 p.m. each day. Local residents only will be able to access Nixon Road from Whitehall Road.

Extra personnel will be on duty to manage traffic congestion, but delays are still expected, according to the release.

“We also remind motorists to be aware of police officers on the roadways directing traffic,” police wrote. “They are there to keep traffic moving and cannot answer questions while on the roadways. Please keep our officers safe and be attentive, slow down, and don’t stop to ask traffic questions.”