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Why are improvements needed?
Improvements to U.S. 30 between PA 896 and PA 41 are needed because the large volume of traffic using the roadway is causing congestion, which will continue to get worse. Additionally, U.S. 30 in the study area is experiencing a high number and rate of crashes and fatalities. U.S. 30 serves local and regional needs and therefore is used by long-distance haulers, commuters, tourists and non-motorized vehicles. These different users often cause conflicts; for instance, tourists travel at a more leisurely pace stopping at various attractions whereas the drivers of heavy trucks are more interested in moving through the area efficiently with few, if any stops. A fuller explanation of the need for improvements can be found in the summary of purpose and needs.
Why are you wasting time and money with these studies? Why don’t you just build something?
That’s kind of like asking the doctor to cure you without first checking out your symptoms. Studies are needed in order to understand exactly the nature and cause of transportation problems so that we can determine specifically what types of improvements are needed. Then alternative solutions can be developed. These solutions will have different benefits, costs and effects, and it takes detailed study to fully understand the implications of such major transportation improvements. After all, we are developing long-term solutions which have widespread consequences.
For example, a widening alternative may provide two lanes of additional traffic capacity at a relatively modest construction cost but require the relocation of a large number of businesses and homes. Another alternative, a bypass for example, may provide four new travel lanes, require only a small number of homes, but take a significant amount of farmland and cost over twice as much as the other alternative. Which one is the better choice for the area? The studies that are done enable transportation professionals (in consultation with local officials and residents) to make the wisest decisions possible.
Another reason that extensive studies are conducted is because they are required in order to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act and other relevant legislation and regulations. PENNDOT must meet the requirements of many state and federal agencies that issue permits and clearances before being able to proceed to final design and construction. Gaining compliance for major transportation projects can take several years.
If this study will take two to three years to complete, does that mean that there will be no improvements made for several years?
Not exactly. The large-scale improvements being considered will take several years to be planned, designed and constructed. But several small-scale improvements have been identified through early studies and are being implemented. For instance, a traffic signal was installed at the intersection of Route 30 and Belmont Road in the summer of 2001. A traffic signal was installed in early 2002 at the intersection of routes 30 and 772. A signal is being investigated for the intersection of routes 41 and 741. Improvements will also be made at the intersection of Route 30 and Oakview Road. At Ronks Road, advance warning signs will be installed along westbound Route 30 to alert drivers of congestion ahead. Other conditions brought to light at the public meeting are being studied and additional work may be undertaken. These small-scale projects will improve travel conditions until a large-scale transportation improvement is in place.