Project Survives Budget Cuts

"We are refocusing on putting more money into the highway and bridge system rather than spending large amounts on planning and engineering for projects that will reach a dead end short of construction," Secretary Biehler said. "With this approach, we are paying even more attention to our basic Maintenance First philosophy."

Secretary Biehler proposed a $7.2 billion program of highway and bridge improvements for the next update of the 12-Year Transportation Program, scheduled for this summer. Federal, state and local dollars underwrite the program. The proposed first four years of the Program totals approximately 2,600 projects, for which funds have been identified.
The Secretary also directed:
  • Reevaluation of 12 projects on the existing 12-Year Program worth $3 billion.
  • Deferral of an additional 14 projects valued at $2 billion.

"Given the circumstances, it does not make sense to continue to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on planning and preliminary design work for projects that simply will not be able to move to construction because the funds are not there," the Secretary said. "We believe we can save significant amounts on preliminary work on this small number of projects and redirect the savings to the 2,600 projects that can move to completion in line with our resources."

The Secretary said his approach is based on these principles:

  • Maintaining Pennsylvania's highways and bridges remains PennDOT's top priority.
  • Meeting the Commonwealth's critical commercial transportation needs, especially with a well maintained interstate highway system that underpins our economic vitality.
  • Moving ahead to ensure the system is as safe as possible.
  • Enhancing Pennsylvania's quality of life through effective targeting of transportation investments in line with available resources.

"We are committed to our mission of delivering a transportation system that is affordable and meets the mobility expectations of the people of Pennsylvania," Secretary Biehler said. "The approach I have outlined is the right decision at the right time to ensure we can meet our mission and enhance the quality of life for everyone across the Commonwealth."


Study Summary

This multi-year study will focus on the approximately nine and a half-mile section of Route 30 from Route 896 in East Lampeter Township to Route 41 in Salisbury Township. In an effort to reduce congestion and improve safety conditions on Route 30, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) has resumed an improvement study of the roadway corridor, which was suspended in 1996 due to funding conditions.

Increased traffic volume has led to delays for travelers along Route 30 as they pass through the historic villages of Paradise and Soudersburg. In addition to being a regional artery heavily used by both long distance haulers and local residents, the route is a popular tourist destination. As part of the study, PENNDOT and its consultants has conducted a large-scale traffic count and survey of travel patterns in the area.

A wide range of improvement alternatives for increasing roadway capacity in the corridor--from widening the roadway to the construction of a new highway--will be developed. Major improvements to the intersection of Route 41 and Route 30 will also be evaluated. And, in order to choose a solution that least affects the area’s rich cultural and natural resources, an Environmental Impact Statement will be prepared to assess the possible impacts of each alternative.

Learn how PENNDOT develops major transportation improvements. (Click here for more)