Milepost 316-319 Reconstruction

This project is part of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s statewide total reconstruction initiative which entails rebuilding sections of the 60-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. The existing pavement conditions, current traffic volumes and projected growth dictate widening the mainline from four to six lanes.

The noise wall locations shown on the preliminary design boards at the May 8, 2014 Open House Plans Display convey the most accurate representation of mitigation sites and physical wall locations based on the outcomes of the Noise Analysis Impact Study that was updated in 2016. The length and height of the noise walls will be further refined as a part of the optimization process. The optimization process may result in a minor change to noise wall locations.

For communities where noise abatement consideration is warranted, the next step is to consider whether the noise abatement would be feasible for each affected community. Traffic noise abatement is typically provided by using highway noise barriers. Feasible noise barriers are those that provide at least 5 dB(A) of noise reduction to noise sensitive locations and pose no safety, engineering, or access restrictions. If a noise barrier system is determined to be feasible, the next step is to determine whether or not the barrier is reasonable for construction. For a barrier to be reasonable it must be cost effective and maintenance, constructability, drainage and utility impacts, as well as the desires of the affected residents, must be considered.

The noise walls will consist of concrete panels with steel or concrete posts. The panels utilize a form-liner to provide texture and a stain is applied for color. Anti-graffiti coatings are added in an effort to reduce the possibility of unsightly graffiti. The PTC is planning to hold a community meeting with the owners of property bordering proposed noise wall locations to provide them with the opportunity vote on noise wall color and texture.

The contractor that successfully bids the project will determine when the noise walls are constructed. Usually, construction access and noise wall fabrication schedules influence the contractor’s decision on when to construct the noise walls.

A copy of the report can be found in the News and Public Involvement section of this project website.

In addition to coordinating with the local townships, the PTC is working with local, state and federal regulatory agencies such as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, and the US Army Corps of Engineers as well as local special interest groups to make sure the project design progresses with the least impact to the environment. The entire project is located in 3 different High Quality watersheds and 1 Exceptional Value Watershed. These types of watersheds are waters of special protection requiring an increased level of effort for permitting.

In general, the PTC will provide the full measure of just compensation to all who are entitled under the law. Please visit our Right-of-Way station. PTC Right-of-Way specialists will be able to assist you with your questions. Property-owners may also be contacted by the construction contractor for temporary access to accommodate construction activities. This matter can also be addressed in more detail at the Right-of-Way station.

The proposed plans that were presented at the May 8, 2014 Open House Plans Display are preliminary and about 30% complete. They reflect the most accurate representation of property that will need to be acquired to construct the project according to plan. There may be modifications that occur as we complete the final design phase.

The PA Turnpike Commission has provided a number of ways to keep the local community up to-date with current project activity. Information will be publicized in local newspapers via advertisements. The PA Turnpike Commission also routinely updates your local legislators and township officials with the most recent information. The project website is frequently updated with current project activity. In addition, electronic E-Bulletins are used to provide the public with the latest project news. NEXT, the project newsletter is another way to receive project information. You can sign up for E-Bulletins and NEXT at the Public Outreach Station tonight or on the project website on the “Contact Us” page if you would prefer to wait.

The project is funded entirely by Turnpike toll revenue and has no federal funds or state tax dollars involved.

Approximately $100 million.

The PTC’s goal is to widen the entire Turnpike to 6 lanes. There are currently active projects east and west of this project.

Yes. The Turnpike coordinates work schedules and also reviews project plans with PennDOT.