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Mon-Fayette Expressway -- PA-51 to I-376 Section

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has issued a booklet that answers many questions that citizens have raised about this portion of the Mon-Fayette Expressway.  Below the introduction are links to all the questions in this document.

The PA Route 51 to I-376 Project is one of four Mon/Fayette Expressway projects being designed and built by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.  A network of approximately 100 miles of new Turnpike Commission highways south, east and west of Pittsburgh in Allegheny, Washington and Fayette counties will be in use once these projects and the three Southern Beltway projects are completed.

The 24-mile, PA Route 51 to I-376 Project begins at the PA Route 51 interchange with the Expressway in Jefferson Hills Borough and proceeds northward crossing the Monongahela River in Duquesne.  The highway then splits, continuing northeast to Monroeville and west toward downtown Pittsburgh providing a bypass of the Squirrel Hill Tunnels.

The Recommended Preferred Alternative, designated as the North Shore Alternative, includes 11 interchanges: PA Route 51 in Jefferson Hills, Camp Hollow Road and Richland Avenue in West Mifflin and Dravosburg, PA Route 837 in Duquesne, East Pittsburgh-McKeesport Boulevard in North Versailles, U.S. Business Route 22 in Monroeville, Thompson Run Road and Old William Penn Highway in Penn Hills, I-376 in Monroeville, Sixth Street in Braddock, PA Route 885 at the Glenwood Bridge, I-376 in Pittsburgh and Second Avenue near the Hot Metal Street Bridge.

Select the question that you want to forward to:

Why is this new Expressway being built?

This new toll road is designed to:

·        Provide safe, efficient transportation improvements from PA Route 51 to I-376 at Pittsburgh and Monroeville,

·        Improve transportation access for the economically depressed Mon Valley communities,

·        Encourage redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites,

·        Encourage revitalization of neighborhoods and relieve traffic congestion on local roadways in the southern and eastern portions of Allegheny County, and

·        Complement the regional transportation network.

Today, the local roads through Oakland, Hazelwood, Squirrel Hill and other eastern City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods are extremely overburdened.  The traffic congestion in these neighborhoods is primarily due to insufficient capacity of the existing local road system and commuter through-traffic diverting to local streets in efforts to avoid the Parkway East (I-376) backups.

The only limited access highway from downtown Pittsburgh to the east is the Parkway East (I-376) with its tunnels and its interchange ramps that do not meet current design standards.  A major portion of the traffic on the Parkway East is through-traffic between eastern communities and points north, west and south of the city.  High traffic volume on the Parkway East, combined with drivers using neighborhood streets to avoid Parkway East congestion, creates problems with local access, air pollution.  Also, heavy traffic volume and inadequate truck access limit the area's ability to attract new businesses to redeveloping industrial sites.

Why is the PA Route 51 to I-376 Project a Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission toll road?

In 1985, the Pennsylvania General Assembly assigned the planning of a new highway in the Mon/Fayette area to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission because the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has limited funding for capital improvement projects throughout Pennsylvania.  This assignment was made through Act 61-Turnpike Organization, Extension and Toll Road Conversion Act.  Since Act 61 assigned the development of this highway to the Turnpike Commission, which can only legally build toll facilities, the proposed PA Route 51 to I-376 Project is being developed as a limited-access tolled highway.

Will the Expressway ease traffic congestion on the Parkway East and through the Squirrel Hill Tunnels?

The Expressway would attract traffic from local streets and provide an alternate route to the Parkway East through the Squirrel Hill Tunnels.  Based on traffic projections provided by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, studies estimate that the Expressway would reduce the length of rush-hour traffic backups at the tunnels by up to 75% over what it would be without the Expressway.  Also, the Expressway would help reduce the duration of the backups by approximately 50%

Will the Expressway bring more traffic into City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods?

Traffic is expected to be reduced in Pittsburgh neighborhoods because the Expressway would attract through-traffic from local streets.  Also, trucks currently using local streets because of Squirrel Hill Tunnel restrictions on vehicle size and hazardous materials would be able to use the Expressway, avoiding neighborhood streets and commercial districts.

How does the Turnpike Commission make its traffic projections?

The traffic projections for the region and in specific communities are based on Average Daily Traffic counts and anticipated growth projections.  The Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission provided this information through its regional traffic forecast model for the “No Build” and “Build” conditions in the year 2030.  The modeling can determine which roadways will have an increase or decrease in traffic based upon construction of the new road.

How will the Expressway be designed to mitigate impacts to specific communities?

The Turnpike Commission is committed to working as a partner with communities to mitigate the project impacts on neighborhoods, reinforce community identities and support ongoing redevelopment efforts.  To this end, the Turnpike Commission will work with local officials to establish community Design Advisory Teams (DATS) during the final design of the project.  The DATs will include local residents.  The Turnpike Commission will coordinate with the DATs to obtain input and advice on design features that would address community issues.  In addition, the DATs would consider enhancement measures such as trails, landscaping, bridges, parks, lighting, parking areas and other features.  Appropriate enhancement measures that are mutually agreed upon by the DATs and the Turnpike Commission would be incorporated into the project plans during the final design phase.

Will the Expressway increase noise in residential neighborhoods?

As part of the project studies, noise monitoring and modeling were done for properties that would be in close proximity to the proposed roadway.  Those studies indicate that noise levels would generally not exceed federal and state noise criteria as a result of the project.  Where noise criteria would be exceeded, the Turnpike Commission will investigate noise abatement options and incorporate these into the project design where warranted, feasible and reasonable.  More details on the noise analysis are included in Chapter 4 of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Will the Expressway create “urban sprawl” and destroy rural areas?

On the contrary, the Expressway is expected to promote redevelopment in the project area. The project corridor consists of primarily long-standing residential, commercial and industrial areas rather than rural areas.  The PA Route 51 to I-376 Project would benefit these areas with better highway access to serve the current infrastructure, residential neighborhoods, commercial districts and manufacturing facilities.  The Expressway would promote redevelopment by enhancing mobility in these areas and improving access to abandoned industrial sites along Monongahela River communities.

How will the Expressway affect Monongahela riverfront access and transit?

The proposed North Shore Alternative creates opportunities for development without affecting existing riverfront access.  The North Shore Alternative would also accommodate all riverfront trails proposed within the study area.

How will the Expressway affect Nine Mile Run and Summerset at Frick Park?

The Expressway design would be consistent with the Army Corp of Engineers' multi-million dollar project to restore Nine Mile Run and facilitate future enhancements.  The Expressway crosses Nine Mile Run on elevated structures near the CSX Railroad tracks to minimize noise and visual impacts, address concerns about aesthetics and provide unrestricted access to the Monongahela River.  Additionally, the Expressway design provides the residential development of Summerset at Frick Park with continued scenic views of the Monongahela River Valley.

Will the Expressway cause deterioration of air quality along the highway corridor?

Air quality in the region is not expected to deteriorate as a result of the Expressway.  A micro scale air quality analysis was conducted to examine potential effects that the Expressway may have on air quality, particularly carbon monoxide concentrations.  None of the predicted carbon monoxide concentrations are projected to exceed the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.  The proposed Expressway project conforms to the Clean Air Act Amendments since the project is included in the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRP), which was adopted in July 2000.  The SPC uses all projects listed in the latest LRP for its air quality transportation conformity data analysis.  The Transportation Conformity Plan was adopted in August 2000.  Therefore, the Expressway project's anticipated regional effect on air quality has been taken into consideration and determined to be acceptable.  Details are available in Chapter 4 of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Will the Expressway reduce property values of residential and commercial sites?

Overall, the Expressway is not expected to decrease property values.  In general, properties with good access to interstate and primary arterial roadways are desirable and increase in value compared to similar properties lacking efficient highway access.

If the 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 Turnpike Commission is committed to ensuring that property is acquired at fair market prices, and if relocation is necessary, the Turnpike Commission works directly with property owners and tenants so that they can move to desirable locations with as little inconvenience as possible.  A Turnpike Commission right-of-way representative will contact residents and property owners if it is necessary to acquire their property.  During the property acquisition phase, the Turnpike Commission will open a field office in the project area to ensure that assistance and information will be easily accessible.  The Turnpike Commission purchases all property in accordance with the Uniform Relocation and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, as amended, and the PA Eminent Domain Code of 1964.

A publication, "Property Owners and Tenants Guide," is available explaining the policies and procedures for the acquisition process.  For a copy and more information about the acquisition process, contact John Frank, PA Turnpike Commission Western Regional Office, Relocation Office, 724-755-5000.

*** CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO THIS DOCUMENT ONLINE ***

Does the Turnpike Commission have the money to build the PA Route 51 to I-376 Project?

This project is funded through the final design and right-of-way acquisition phases of the project.  A total of $291 million in state and federal funds has been committed to complete these phases of the project.

For any major new highway construction projects, such as the Expressway, state and federal funds are committed as they are needed.  Therefore, the Turnpike Commission will seek additional funds that can be committed in time for construction to begin on schedule.

Will funding the PA Route 51 to I-376 Project take the money we need for other projects?

No. The Mon/Fayette Expressway has been funded thus far from gas tax revenue increases, as well as special set-asides from state vehicle registration fees and specific federal highway fund appropriations.  Additionally, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission passed a resolution approving a strategy that will not take funds away from local projects to improve existing roads and mass transit systems.

Which alternatives were evaluated for this project?

The Mon/Fayette Transportation Project between PA Route 51 and I-376 has been developed to fulfill the requirements set forth in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969 and Section 4(f) of the U.S. Department of Transportation Act of 1966.  NEPA and its associated implementing regulations mandate that a range of alternatives be evaluated and the potential impacts be disclosed to the public prior to making an informed decision.

Throughout the development of alternatives, efforts were made to avoid and minimize effects on sensitive natural, socioeconomic and cultural features, and to address concerns and input provided by the public and environmental resources agencies.  The range of alternatives considered included:

·        No-Build Alternative,

·        Congestion Management System Alternative to reduce traffic on the overburdened roadways,

·        New Light Rail Transit Systems Alternative,

·        New Toll Road Alternatives,

·        Widening of Existing Roadways, and

·        Combinations of Widening and New Roadway Alternatives.

After studying the range of alternatives, the North Shore Alternative, the South Shore Alternative, and the No-Build Alternative were carried through the detailed alternatives analysis.  After consideration of all issues concerning the alternatives, including their impacts and input from the public, the North Shore Alternative was identified as the Recommended Preferred Alternative in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).  For details, refer to Chapter 3 of the DEIS.

Why is the North Shore Alternative the Recommended Preferred Alternative?

The Turnpike Commission identified the North Shore Alternative as the Recommended Preferred Alternative based upon this alternative's ability to meet the identified project needs and upon engineering parameters, environmental effects, public input and environmental resource agency input.  The following reasons that support this recommendation are specified in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).

·        The North Shore Alternative would provide access to abandoned brownfield sites in Duquesne, Penn Hills, Rankin, Swissvale, and Hazelwood that are still in early phases of redevelopment.  This would meet the identified need to create transportation services capable of supporting economic redevelopment.

·        The North Shore Alternative would improve direct access to the Duquesne City Center and Carrie Furnace brownfield redevelopment sites by adding access ramps from local roads into these sites, over active rail lines.  This would also meet the identified need to create transportation services capable of supporting economic redevelopment.

·        The North Shore Alternative would reduce travel times to medical facilities, education centers, and employment centers in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh by up to 68 minutes over the No-Build Alternative.  This would meet the identified project need of improving accessibility to social services and accessibility by emergency services, as well as the identified need to relieve existing and future predicted congestion.

·        The North Shore Alternative would accommodate all riverfront trail projects currently proposed within the study area.

·        Elected officials from the 19 municipalities in the study corridor, as well as Allegheny County officials, overwhelmingly support the North Shore Alternative.

·        Based upon the written responses received from the March and April 2001 public meetings, those expressing a preference showed strong support for the North Shore Alternative.

·        Earthwork for the North Shore Alternative would be balanced.  All excess fill material could be accommodated within the project right-of-way.

For details, refer to Chapter 5 of the DEIS.

What is the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Review Process?

The DEIS public review and comment period began on May 31, 2002, and will conclude on September 9, 2002.  The Turnpike Commission will address all substantive comments (written comments and public hearing testimony) received during the DEIS comment period and then prepare the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for public review and comment.  While the Turnpike Commission has identified the North Shore Alternative as the Recommended Preferred Alternative in the DEIS, the final selection of an alternative will not be made until comments on the DEIS, including testimony from the public hearings, and comments on the FEIS have been fully evaluated.  The Federal Highway Administration will identify the Selected Alternative in the Record of Decision, which is expected to be issued in 2003.

Once the Federal Highway Administration issues the Record of Decision, what happens next?

The final design and right-of-way acquisition phase begins.  This phase is expected to continue for three to five years.

How can citizens express their comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)?

The Turnpike Commission has encouraged public participation and comment since the project began more than nine years ago.  The DEIS was released on May 31, 2002 and the 75-day public review and comment period continues through August 14, 2002.  The DEIS is available at designated locations, including local libraries and municipal buildings.  The DEIS may be obtained in CD-ROM format, at a nominal cost, by contacting the PA Turnpike Commission, Western Regional Office at 724-755-5263.

Four open house plans displays and three public hearings are being held during the comment period.  The open house plans displays are designed to give the public an opportunity to obtain answers to any questions they may have concerning the project.  Formal testimony will be taken at the public hearings.  For a schedule of the open houses and public hearings, as well as details on testifying or submitting comments at the public hearings, contact:

Lisa Yackovich

Public Involvement Coordinator

PA Turnpike Commission Western Regional Office

724-755-5261

Citizens may also express their views by sending signed, written comments to:

David R Willis

Environmental Manager

PA Turnpike Commission

RO.  Box 67676

Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676

Comments must be received by September 9, 2002 to be included in the official public record for this project.  Comments sent by e-mail will not be accepted into the public record.