Turnpike/I-95 Project

FUNDING SOUGHT

U.S. Senator Arlen Specter
and Congressman
James Greenwood Vow...

"Fight for Federal Funding"

Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Project

Efforts to secure funding for construction of a direct interchange between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 95 in Bucks County received a boost recently when U.S. Senator Arlen Specter and Congressman James Greenwood announced that they will fight for $120 million in Highway Trust Fund monies to help finance the project.

"It is an absurdity that these highways were constructed without an interchange," said Specter during a news conference held on a grassy area of the Turnpike near the intersection of the two interstates.

I-95 was completed in 1969 without an interchange connecting it to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Interstate travelers must either by-pass the Philadelphia area entirely or exit the interstate system and navigate a complex system of local roadways to pick-up I-95 again in New Jersey.

An environmental impact study is currently underway to determine the best way to build an interchange and enhance the Turnpike with the least disruption to local businesses and private residences.

The $120 million Specter and Greenwood are seeking from the Highway Trust Fund is just part of the overall federal funding commitment of $337 million needed to finance the project. Funding from other federal sources, as well as state and Turnpike Commission dollars will be needed to commence construction of the interchange.

When completed, the project will:

Improve the linkage between I-95 and the Turnpike to create continuity in the interstate system.
Relieve congestion on local roads which are currently used by travelers to make the connection between I-95 and the Turnpike.
Create additional capacity on the Turnpike and I-95 to accommodate the transfer of traffic from the local roadway system.
Improve travel times through the interchange area.

Additional information on the I-95/Turnpike Interchange project can be obtained by contacting KCI Technologies at 3220 Tillman Drive, Bensalem, PA or by calling (215) 244-4444.