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PENNDOT Proposes Revised Transportation Program
March 25, 2004

Adjustments Mean More Sensible Approach to Managing Highway, Bridge Resources

HARRISBURG: In the face of a tightening financial picture and ongoing concerns about the impact transportation decisions have on Pennsylvania's landscape, PennDOT has proposed steps to deliver the maximum amount of investment to the transportation system, Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E., announced today. "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."

In a meeting this week with planning partners from across Pennsylvania, 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.

In line with the Growing Greener II initiative, Secretary Biehler has dedicated $76 million in federal highway funds to help underwrite the recently announced Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to School programs.

Home Town Streets and Safe Routes to Schools, which Gov. Rendell announced in February in his budget message to the General Assembly, will step up the pace of existing federal-local programs designed to restore amenities to Pennsylvania's core communities. The improvements include vintage street lights, sidewalk improvements, benches, and other features that can enhance quality of life and revitalize commerce in Pennsylvania's communities.

"In our drive for a balanced transportation system, PennDOT will use the Hometown Streets and Safe Routes to Schools program as a catalyst for the much needed and overdue renewal of our cities, boroughs and towns," Secretary Biehler said.

The 15-member state Transportation Commission, chaired by Secretary Biehler, will vote on the next update of the 12-Year Program at its meeting in August. The Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency also will review the update process. PennDOT will continue to work with members of the General Assembly, local elected officials, and representatives from the Metropolitan Planning Organizations and Rural Planning Organizations on developing the Program.

"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."

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PROJECTS TO BE DEFERRED OR REEVALUATED (As part of its biennial update of the Commonwealth's transportation program, PennDOT is assessing the status of a list of 26 high cost projects that don't have a clear funding path. PennDOT will be reviewing these projects with members of the General Assembly, local elected officials, and members of the Metropolitan Planning and Rural Planning Organizations.)

Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties

Alle-Kiski Connector and Bridge – defer

Allegheny County

New Mon River Bridge – defer

Banksville Connector – defer

Beaver County

Ambridge-Aliquippa Bridge – reevaluate

Bedford County

PA 56 Pleasantville Mountain – reevaluate

Blair County

Goods Lane Improvements – defer

PA 453 Widening – defer

Bucks County

US 202 Section 700: Montgomeryville to Doylestown – reevaluate

Butler County

PA 228 Criders Corners East – reevaluate

Cambria County

PA 56 West End Improvements – defer

US 219: Carrolltown to Clearfield County Line – defer

Centre County

US 322 SCCCTS: Seven Mountains to State College Bypass – defer

US 322 Corridor O: Port Matilda to I-80 – complete current active phase and reevaluate

Chester County

PA 41 Widening and Avondale Bypass – reevaluate

Clinton County

Avis Industrial Park Access Road – defer

Fayette and Greene Counties

PA 21 Widening – complete current active phase and reevaluate

Franklin County

US 30 Widening West – defer

Indiana County

Rose Street Extension Phase 2 – defer

US 422 Widening/Relocation – complete current active phase and reevaluate

Lancaster County

PA 72 Corridor – defer

PA 23 Corridor – reevaluate

Lehigh County

US 22 Widening – complete current active phase and reevaluate scope

Lycoming County

US 220 West of Williamsport – defer

Montgomery County

Blair Mill Road – defer

Philadelphia County

PA 63 Woodhaven Road – reevaluate

Westmoreland County

Laurel Valley Expressway – reevaluate