Phase: Final Design
Location: Westmoreland County
Anticipated cost: $200-250 million
Project Receives Environmental Clearance, Advances to Final Design
The project received Environmental Clearance in August 2024 facilitating advancement to final design. Milestone activities associated with final design include:
Construction Plan Development
- Construction Phasing
- Maintenance and Protection of Traffic
- Right-of-Way Plan Development and Acquisition
- Noise Analysis and related Community Engagement
- Permitting and Storm Water Management
- Finalize slope designs and structures (Core Drilling)
- Utility Coordination
- Traffic Control (Specifically for the Belle Vernon Bridge)
- Highway Lighting
- Maple Creek Bridge No. 7 Replacement
Noise Studies
The project complies with federal noise regulations, which mandate assessing and abating traffic noise. To date, a Preliminary Design Noise Analysis was completed and a Noise Technical Report was developed. Potential locations for noise walls will be finalized during final design. The noise abatement process will determine if the proposed noise abatement measure (i.e., noise barrier) is warranted, feasible, and reasonable for areas impacted by traffic noise, under the design year build alternative. Public involvement is essential throughout the noise abatement process, through noise-related discussions, particularly concerning the loudest hour of the day, the identification of noise-sensitive sites, and other localized sound sources or contributions that would warrant additional consideration (e.g., jake brakes, nighttime distribution of heavy trucks, and motorcycle club routes). Meetings will be held with specific property owners and residents who are benefitted by each potential noise abatement measure (sound wall) location.
Public Engagement To-Date
October 2024 – Community Stakeholders Meeting #2
In October 2024, PennDOT conducted a Stakeholders Meeting with representatives of various community segments to provide a project status update, discuss final design activities, and review the project schedule. View the presentation slides here.
May 2023 – Public Meeting
A public meeting was held on May 18, 2023, to provide an opportunity for general public review and feedback on the recommended alternative. Common concerns included noise, property effects, safety, roadway, drainage, and pedestrian access.
September 2021 – Community Stakeholders Meeting #1
In September 2021, PennDOT conducted a Stakeholders Meeting with representatives of various community segments to provide a project status update and solicit feedback on the Community Context Assessment (CCA) findings.
Early 2021 – Community Context Assessment
The CCA was conducted in early 2021 to discuss the project with state, county, and local public officials, the PA Turnpike Commission, emergency service providers, business owners, schools, and other stakeholders to gather input about local interests and concerns for the project. The information gathered during these interviews is used by the Project Team to inform project development.
