Human Remains Found During Construction to Remain in Place

Photo posted from MercyHurst.edu

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and the Schuylkill County Coroner’s Office, have made a decision regarding the recently identified human remains found along PA 61 in North Manheim Township.

Based on the majority of responses from the community, the human remains located adjacent to PennDOT right-of-way, but within private property, will remain in place and PennDOT will take measures to ensure the PA 61 widening project results in no further impacts to the human remains.

Remains found within the PennDOT right of way and currently being studied by Mercyhurst University will be turned over to the county coroner, who will treat them according to county-specific protocol.

PennDOT also received many comments regarding the placement of an historical marker or plaque. The installation of such a memorial will be at the direction of Schuylkill County with possible assistance from PennDOT and FHWA. The location of the marker and text on it will be left to the county’s discretion.