Next Steps

Currently the PTC and each of the 13 Design Teams are conducting several studies to achieve the following:

•  Refine the alignment and the geometry of the roadway
•  Identify grading and drainage needs
•  Determine the stability of the land for structures and roadway pavement
•  Refine interchange configurations
•  Determine retaining wall locations
•  Develop landscaping concepts
•  Identify the type, size and locations of bridges and other structures
•  Incorporate environmental mitigation measures and identify permit requirements
•  Develop lighting and signing concepts
•  Survey and flag the alignment
•  Evaluate the need for traffic signals
•  Pinpoint Right-of-Way limits
•  Design Field View will take place during Summer 2006 through Summer 2007

The corresponding effects on social, economic, natural and cultural resources will be updated, and minimized where possible. In doing so, the PTC and its design teams are coordinating with local municipalities, emergency service providers, school districts, and utility and railroad companies. Information about these studies will be available to the public at the Project Office. Additionally, in especially sensitive areas identified in the project’s Environmental Impact Statement, the PTC is coordinating with Design Advisory Teams (DATs). For more information about the DATs, visit www.paturnpike.com/monfaydat/.

After these studies are complete, the refined engineering plans will be provided to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for technical review, and a Design Field Views will be held. All 13 Design Sections are anticipated to have refined engineering plans completed by the end of 2008 and obtain Design Field View approval. The remainder of the work to complete Final Design is dependent on available funding. Once a funding source is identified, the PTC can proceed with preparing exact right-of-way plans, acquiring property, and completing the plans, specifications, and estimates for construction.