The public comment period for the Environmental Assessment is now closed. Comments, questions, and oral testimony received on the Environmental Assessment are being compiled and reviewed. Responses to feedback received during the public comment period
will be made available when complete. Updates on the comment-response status will be provided at this location over the coming months. The Environmental Assessment is still available for viewing at the link below.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is developing plans to link Interstate 81 and the Turnpike's Northeast Extension, Interstate 476, in the Scranton area to form a beltway that will help ease congestion on I-81. The plan calls for highway-speed connections
that will enable motorists to seamlessly drive from interstate to interstate in northbound and southbound directions.
The project will include two separate connections between the Turnpike's Interstate 476 and PennDOT's Interstate 81
Clarks Summit to the north of Scranton in South Abington Township, Lackawanna County
Wyoming Valley to the south of Scranton in the Borough of Dupont and Pittston Township, Luzerne County
Making the links between the two highways more convenient will attract more vehicles onto the Northeast Extension and help ease congestion on I-81. More than 70,000 vehicles a day use portions of I-81 through the Scranton region, while the Northeastern Extension carries about 10,000 vehicles a day.
Funding for the Scranton Beltway Project comes as a direct result of the 2013 passage of Act 89, Pennsylvania's comprehensive transportation-funding measure.
Project Maps
For information on other sections of the Pennsylvania Turnpike currently in construction or design, please visit the Major Design and Construction Projects homepage.
Project Schedule
Preliminary Design
Study Phase: Spring 2018 - Spring 2019
Preliminary Engineering/Environmental Assessment/Design Field View: Spring 2019 (COVID Pause) - Spring 2024
We are aiming to hold a public hearing in the summer of 2024. This schedule is dependent on achieving approvals from agencies outside of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. Ultimately, before the public hearing can be held, the Environmental Assessment Report must obtain approval from FHWA. After FHWA approves and publishes the EA report for public comment, a period of 15 days must pass before the public hearing can be held.
What is the difference between a public meeting and a public hearing?
Public meetings are held as a means to inform the public and typically include only a plans display. A public hearing is the official method for receiving public comments on the EA which documents the results of a project’s environmental and engineering studies. A public hearing differs from a public meeting in that it is formal, often held to meet legal requirements, and requires following specific protocol.
What is the difference between CE and an EA?
A Categorical Exclusion (CE) is required when there are no significant environmental impacts. An Environmental Assessment is required when the significance of the environmental impacts are uncertain. Assembling the EA documentation is a more complex and lengthier process than what is required for a project designated as a CE.
What is an Environmental Assessment?
An environmental assessment, called an EA, is required when the significance of the environmental impacts are uncertain. The purpose of this process is to clarify any uncertainty and document the finding. If no significant impacts are found, the process is concluded with a finding of no significant impact, referred to as a FONSI. But if there are significant impacts, an environmental impact statement, or EIS, is then completed.
Why has there been a delay in holding the public meeting?
A recent directive from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for all major projects receiving federal funding now requires these projects to have their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review designation re-evaluated. As a result of this re-evaluation, we were recently notified in April 2022 by FHWA that the Scranton Beltway project is no longer being designated as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) and will need to go through an Environmental Assessment (EA) process. Assembling the EA documentation is a more complex and lengthier process than what is required for a project designated as a CE. This process adds significant layers of reviews and approvals from outside agencies. An additional requirement for projects going through the EA process is to provide the opportunity for a formal public hearing, whereas under the previous CE designation, only a public meeting plans display was required.
What is NEPA?
The National Environmental Policy Act, known as NEPA, requires that the significance of a project‘s environmental impact be evaluated for all federally funded projects. The significance of the project’s impact, not its size or cost, determines the necessary class of action as well as its process and documentation requirements.
Why has there been a change in project design schedule?
A directive from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for all major projects receiving federal funding now requires these projects to have their National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review designation re-evaluated. As a result of this re-evaluation, we were notified in April 2022 by FHWA that the Scranton Beltway project is no longer being designated as a Categorical Exclusion (CE) and will need to go through an Environmental Assessment (EA) process. Assembling the EA documentation is a more complex and lengthier process than what is required for a project designated as a CE. This process adds significant layers of reviews and approvals from outside agencies. An additional requirement for projects going through the EA process is to provide the opportunity for a formal public hearing, whereas under the previous CE designation, only a public meeting plans display was required.
Will I-81 be widened?
Currently, PennDOT has no future plans to widen I-81 to six lanes in this immediate project area; however, the Scranton Beltway Project will not preclude PennDOT from widening I-81 to six lanes in the future. PennDOT is starting the Preliminary Engineering phase on SR 0081, Section D46 I-81 Reconstruction. This project begins North of the Wyoming Valley Interchange, from Interchange 178 (Airport/Avoca) through a point approximately 0.5 miles north of Interchange 185 (President Biden Expressway).
Will tolls have to be increased to pay for this project?
No. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission does not raise tolls to fund individual projects.
If the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission needs to acquire my property (business or residence) for the project, what should I know about the right-of-way acquisition process?
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is committed to ensuring that property is acquired at fair market prices and, if relocation is necessary, property owners and tenants are moved to suitable locations with as little inconvenience as possible. Please
review the Property Owners’ & Tenants’ Guide. Property-Tenant-Guide.pdf
Will public meetings/hearings comments be addressed?
Yes. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will provide documented responses to comments received at the public hearing.
Is the Turnpike's Edella Road bridge replacement part of the Scranton Beltway project?
No, it is a totally independent project to address the Edella Road bridge. Being in poor condition, this bridge was replaced 2019-2020. This bridge replacement project is not part of the Scranton Beltway project, but is part of the Commission's statewide program to address structurally deficient bridges.
How can I keep informed about the project?
We encourage you to visit the project website periodically for up-to-date project information. When new information becomes available, project newsletters will provide up to date information on the preliminary design progress and will be posted in the library.
Does the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission coordinate their work schedules with PennDOT work schedules?
Yes. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) coordinates work schedules with PennDOT. PennDOT is working with the Commission, and will review project plans developed during preliminary engineering and final engineering design. The Commission also coordinates work schedules with the local municipalities (including emergency service providers).
In addition to coordinating with the local townships, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and PennDOT are working with local, state and federal regulatory agencies such as the Lackawanna and Luzerne County Conservation Districts, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Highway Administration to make sure the environment is factored into the project design.
When will I know whether my property will be affected?
Potential/Preliminary Property impacts were displayed at the public meetings for the project.
Who can I contact if I have questions or concerns?
Please contact the project team by visiting the contact page of
the project website.
Will there be public meetings/hearings?
Yes. A public meeting for the Wyoming Valley Interchange is scheduled for Monday, November 13th, 2023, and a public meeting for the Clarks Summit interchange is scheduled for Tuesday, November 14th, 2023. A formal public hearing is anticipated in 2024. Attendees will have the opportunity to register to provide their comments and/or concerns on the preliminary plans for the project before the project proceeds into final design.
What is the project schedule?
Study Phase: Spring 2018 - Spring 2019
Preliminary Engineering/ Environmental Assessment/ Design Field View: Spring 2019 (COVID-19 Pause) - Spring 2024
Public Meetings: Fall 2023 Final Engineering Design: 2024 - 2028 Construction: 2029 to 2032
How much will this project cost?
The preliminary cost estimate for the direct connections at Wyoming Valley and Clarks Summit is approximately $236 million (Preliminary Engineering estimate, 2023).
How is this project funded?
The project is funded primarily by Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission toll revenue along with $40 million in Federal Funds through PennDOT.
Why is this project being built?
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, in collaboration with PennDOT, is developing preliminary plans to link Interstate 81 and the Turnpike's Northeast Extension, Interstate 476, in the Scranton area to form a beltway that will increase the utilization of I-476, and help ease congestion on I-81 and local roads. The plan calls for highway-speed connections that will enable motorists to seamlessly drive from interstate to interstate in northbound and southbound directions.
The project will include two separate connections between Interstate 476 and Interstate 81:
• Clarks Summit to the north of Scranton in South Abington Township, Lackawanna County
• Wyoming Valley to the south of Scranton in the Borough of Dupont and Pittston Township, Luzerne County
More Project Resources
Design & Construction Details
Find out about planned design & construction activities for this project.
-01.jpg?sfvrsn=d9f3db78_1 "Scranton Beltway Project Schedule")