Project Approach

As the Mon/Fayette Expressway PA Route 51 to I-376 Project completes Final Design and Construction activities, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is committed to designing a state-of-the-art model urban Expressway that complements the communities and landscape through which it passes. To accomplish this the PTC established the following Guiding Principles:

Setting a new standard
An extensive level of communication and coordination will occur during the Final Design Process. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and its section designers will work closely to establish a model urban expressway that satisfies modern design criteria for roadway lanes, median areas, shoulders and structures. This effort will include an extensive public outreach program that will provide a means for the public to obtain the latest project information. As a result, the project will be a state-of-the-art, model urban expressway incorporating innovative aesthetic treatments and sensitive urban design features.

Designing with care; Building with skill
To facilitate the design process, the PTC has divided the proposed 24-mile Expressway into 13 design sections. Each design section has its own design team that was selected based on their special expertise, skills, and ability to carefully design their particular section to address the design challenges and specific circumstances of the communities in that area. These design teams will need to perform numerous studies and obtain various approvals from federal, state and local agencies to design one of the most complex and challenging projects in the state. This careful approach to the expressway’s design, will enable the construction to proceed with sensitivity, urgency and with minimum impact to the surrounding communities.

Keeping our commitments
To minimize the unavoidable impacts of the project on the surrounding communities, the PTC is committed to implementing the mitigation measures detailed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and Record of Decision (ROD). In doing so, the PTC is keeping the commitments they made to the public, local officials and environmental resource agencies. Some of the mitigation measures the public can count on the PTC to address include, providing pedestrian access (ADA accessible sidewalks/overpasses/underpasses); providing relocation assistance; coordinating with local municipalities, emergency service providers, utilities and railroads; accommodating/relocating trails; incorporating aesthetic design features/landscaping; coordinating with Design Advisory Teams; constructing sound barriers; replacing/enhancing natural resources (wetlands/streams/endangered species habitat); and developing an educational curriculum to offset cultural resource effects.

Establishing local connections
During Final Design, the PTC will make every effort to make project information available to you. By establishing a centrally located Project Office in Duquesne near Kennywood, the PTC is reaching out to make connections with local communities, individuals and elected officials. At the project office, you can talk to project team members, review plans and obtain information. The office is open five days a week. In addition to visiting the project office, you can sign-up to be added to our mailing list, visit the project website, www.paturnpike.com/monfaysb/ or call toll-free at 1-800-585-2996.

Being a good neighbor
The PTC is committed to designing an Expressway that complements the communities and landscape through which it passes. Innovative features and design concepts that accomplish this goal will be incorporated into the Expressway design from the onset. Opportunities to improve or enhance environmental conditions or quality of life will be explored and incorporated where determined to be a reasonable expenditure and in the overall best interest of the public. After the Expressway is designed and built, the PTC will not just walk away from these communities. They will continue their efforts to be a good neighbor and a part of the community by maintaining landscaping, removing snow, picking up trash and performing other maintenance activities.