Project Library

FAQs

How is the Six-Lane Widening Project being funded?
This project is being totally financed with toll dollars and has no federal funds (or state tax dollars) involved.

Will the Six-Lane Widening Project increase noise in residential neighborhoods?
A noise study was performed as part of the preliminary-design phase. The first step of the study was to perform noise monitoring throughout the area to establish existing levels. The data was analyzed - in conjunction with a noise model - to determine projected noise levels and to identify impacts. Once the projected impacts were identified, mitigation measures are evaluated to determine if they are feasible and reasonable. The results of the noise study will be presented at the public meetings scheduled for the spring of 2007. Additional meetings will be held during final design as the mitigation measures are developed in more detail. For more information on the noise analysis process, click here.

If the Turnpike Commission needs to acquire my property, business or residence for the project, what should I know about the right-of-way acquisition process?
The Turnpike Commission will provide the full measure of just compensation to all who are entitled under the law. In a few instances, the Turnpike Commission will have to acquire 100 percent of a given property. In most cases, they will only need portions of a property - or none at all. There are numerous protections afforded to individuals (renters, as well as owners/occupants) and businesses that will be displaced. For more information, click here.

What occurs during the preliminary/final-design phases?
The detailed engineering necessary to advance the project to construction is completed during the final-design phase. Project team members will be visible in the project area as final-design activities are conducted. Building upon the work completed in the preliminary-engineering phase, the project team will continue to refine plans, impacts and mitigation components of the project. Right-of-way needs will be determined. Extensive coordination efforts with utilities, regulatory agencies, environmental agencies, municipalities and emergency-service providers will take place throughout this phase. This coordination is essential to minimizing disruption of services during construction. Safety features - such as signing and lighting - will be incorporated into the plans and necessary permits obtained. The final-design phase will result in the development of the plans, specifications and estimates from which construction contractors will ultimately build the roadway.

Where will I be able to review the results of the noise study?
Noise monitoring was performed during the summer of 2007 to gather additional data. It was also performed in areas that were not originally identified for noise abatement on the preliminary plans, but continued to be questioned by local residents. The results of this noise monitoring have been presented in a report that is now available. A hard copy of this noise report can be found in each of the five township offices located within the project area, as well as in digital form on the project web site. Click here to view the report.

I would like to be updated on the project. What’s the best way to do this?
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has provided a number of ways to keep the local community up-to-date with current project activity. If you have questions on construction activity, please dial the construction hotline at 1-877-855-2545. This web site is updated frequently with press releases and other project news. To receive e-mailed notifications, sign up for the E-Bulletins on this web site as well. You can also sign up for NEXT, the Northeastern Extension Total Reconstruction and Widening Project newsletter, to receive news at your home or office. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission also routinely updates your local legislators and township officials with the most recent information. Please feel free to use the Contact Us form on this web site to send e-mail directly to the project team, or you can send U.S. mail to:

Lugene Keys
Northeastern Extension Public Outreach Program Manager
5001 Louise Drive, Suite 201
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055.

Where can I voice my concerns about detours or construction activity?
If you have questions or comments on any project-related construction issues, please call the toll-free construction project hotline at 1-877-855-2545. This number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Why is this project necessary?
This project is part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s $2 billion statewide total reconstruction initiative which entails rebuilding sections of the 50-plus-year-old Turnpike facility from the ground, up. The new roadway design meets current interstate design standards, and will provide a safer and more efficient travel experience for Turnpike customers. It will also accommodate the growing number of vehicles on the roadway. Traffic volumes currently estimated at 67,000 vehicles/day on this section of the Turnpike roadway are projected to reach 100,000 vehicles/day by the year 2030.