Milepost A48 - A53

The PA Turnpike understands the importance of Jasper Park to this community and the rich history that surrounds it. At this time, the current design remains within the Turnpike’s existing right-of-way and we don’t anticipate any impacts. Every effort is being made to minimize impacts in coordination with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which acts as a liaison to the Federally recognized Tribes and Nations for these types of roadway construction projects. We will continue to work with the USACE, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, and the community to minimize impacts and preserve Jasper Park.  

 

Coordination with impacted property owners will begin in the summer of 2024 and continue through 2027.

The PA Turnpike has completed the field measurements and is finalizing a noise analysis. The potential locations eligible for abatement will be identified in a final design noise report that will be posted on this website. Localized community meetings will be conducted in eligible neighborhoods, specifically to discuss interest in having the proposed noise wall constructed. Property owners will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and also to discuss the texture and color of the wall facing each neighborhood.

Local roads will remain open to traffic during construction, but will occasionally be reduced to one lane, or closed for short periods. These short-term impacts are required to facilitate construction and ensure the safety of commuters. All traffic changes will be coordinated with the local municipalities and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. Join the mailing list for email updates.

The PA Turnpike is making every effort to minimize impacts to streams, wetlands, water quality, earth disturbance, parks and stormwater runoff in coordination with the Lehigh County Conservation District, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), and the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). The PA DEP requires compliance with Chapter 102 regarding erosion and sedimentation control and Chapter 105 regarding impacts to wetlands and streams in coordination with the USACE for the Section 404 Permit. In addition, the PA Turnpike is working through the USACE and Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office to minimize project impacts on cultural resources.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission does not raise tolls to fund individual projects.

The estimated cost is approximately $342 million.

The project is funded entirely by Turnpike toll dollars, with no federal funds or state tax dollars involved.

Mainline construction is expected to begin in 2028.

The corridor improvements will be undertaken to enhance overall mobility of this regionally significant transportation facility and improve safety conditions within the corridor.

The existing four-lane highway is 72 feet wide and will be widened and reconstructed to 122 feet wide. This new roadway will accommodate three 12-foot travel lanes in each direction, a 26-foot median, and 12-foot outside shoulders. The project includes the replacement of six mainline bridges and two overhead bridges. The corridor traverses Lower and Upper Milford Townships, Borough of Emmaus, and Lower Macungie Township in Lehigh County.