Design & Construction Details

The preliminary design phase is expected to continue into Q1 of 2029. 

During this phase, the Project Team will refine the new roadway alignment, confirm environmental impacts, and work to minimize right-of-way impacts. Property owners adjacent to the Turnpike will receive formal notification letters regarding upcoming fieldwork in the project area. This includes surveyors affirming property lines, geotechnical engineers conducting more detailed soil testing, and environmental specialists conducting more detailed studies on wetlands, wildlife, farmlands, and historic resources in the area and how to mitigate impacts.

Team members may need access to property outside of the PA Turnpike's right-of-way to conduct this field research accurately, which is why you or your neighbors may receive a Notice of Intent to Enter letter. The preliminary design phase will conclude with a public meeting where the public can examine the proposed design plans and the additional right-of-way required by the project. The public will have the opportunity to provide comments, which will be recorded and considered during the final design phase of the project. 

Based on past studies, it is not expected to change traffic flow, but the PA Turnpike will investigate further based on requests from public officials. This project provides the final four-lane highway connection from Somerset, PA, to Interstate 68 in Maryland. It is focused on north/south trips as compared to the east/west flow of traffic along the PA Turnpike. The Project Team will further explore the potential change of the regional traffic patterns during preliminary engineering. 

Traffic flow will be improved through this area by realigning the roadway with curves that are easier to navigate. The project will provide additional lanes that are needed to accommodate current and future traffic volumes. Wide inside and outside shoulders will provide adequate room for disabled vehicles. 

The project includes climbing lanes for trucks and large vehicles which increases traffic flow by allowing others to use two lanes to pass the slower vehicle. Inteligent Traffic System (ITS) devices will be deployed to inform the traveling public. All of these features are proven to improve traffic flow.

Safety is a top priority. As part of preliminary engineering and final design the new alignment will be evaluated to ensure all applicable design standards are met. Features will be added to improve safety for highway workers, first responders, and the half a million drivers who travel the roadway every day. Potential weather-related impacts will be explored through preliminary engineering. The new alignment will meet current design standards. 

Yes. This will be investigated in preliminary engineering. The PA Turnpike implements various measures to prevent and manage rockslides and erosion, including stormwater management, vegetation management, and regular maintenance activities, as part of their Clean Water Initiative and extreme weather preparedness.  

The Project Team is currently planning to publicly share the new alternative in Q1 of 2029. A great deal of engineering goes into a project of this size and complexity. The team has just begun working on more detailed studies to refine the new alignment. 

As preliminary engineering progresses, design elements may change based on various studies such as geotechnical investigations, environmental studies and public input.  Visit the PA Turnpike blog to learn more about how preliminary field work sets the stage for successful projects.