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The Mon-Fayette Expressway:  Pittsburgh to PA-51 Section

MON-FAYETTE EXPRESSWAY, PA ROUTE 51 TO 1-376 PROJECT

REGIONAL BENEFITS

The Mon-Fayette Expressway, PA Rt.51 to 1-376 Project, would:

Improve accessibility throughout the region

Travelers would have more efficient access to and from destinations in Pittsburgh, Oakland, eastern suburbs and the Mon Valley.

Improve highway access to Brownfield sites

Former industrial sites in Duquesne, McKeesport, East Pittsburgh, Rankin, Hazelwood, Turtle Creek, Swissvale, Penn Hills and Glassport would have proximity to the Expressway.  This proximity would enhance the sites' marketability for potential developers and employers.

Provide a bypass of the Squirrel Hill Tunnel

This bypass would reduce Parkway East and tunnel congestion, and offer an alternative route if there are closures or delays resulting from weather, traffic accidents, construction or repairs.  Trucks currently using local streets because of Squirrel Hill Tunnel restrictions on vehicle size and hazardous materials would be able to use the Expressway and avoid neighborhood streets and commercial districts.

Reduce traffic on existing roads

Traffic would decrease by more than 10 percent on most major routes between Pittsburgh and communities to the south and east including: PA Rt.51, PA Rt.885, PA Rt.837, PA Rt.48, PA Rt.148, US Rt.30, Braddock Avenue, Forbes Avenue, Boulevard of the Allies, Second Avenue, Browns Hill Road and Beechwood Boulevard.

Improve public transit opportunities and efficiencies

The new Expressway, in conjunction with the Martin Luther King, Jr. Busway, would provide improved service between the Mon Valley and downtown Pittsburgh.  New park-and-ride facilities are being considered for the Expressway corridor, which would encourage commuters to car pool and use public transit.

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY ENHANCEMENTS

The Turnpike Commission is open to ideas and suggestions that would enhance the communities through which the project passes.  Facilities such as trails, landscaping, bridges, parks, lighting, parking areas, and other enhancement features can be included in the project plans, as appropriate and mutually agreed upon by the community and the Turnpike Commission.  The Turnpike Commission is committed to working as a partner with communities to improve neighborhoods, reinforce community identities, and support ongoing redevelopment efforts.  To this end, the Turnpike Commission will continue extensive coordination with affected communities.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission prepared this fact sheet based on project analysis results, public meetings and interviews.  For a complete presentation of the Mon-Fayette Expressway project, including proposed routes and community impacts, you may review the Draft Environmental impact Statement (DEIS) when it is released in the coming months.  The DEIS will be available at designated locations including legislators offices, municipal offices and community libraries.  For details, contact the Turnpike Commission Western Regional Office at 724-755-5000, or visit the website, www.paturnpike.com. (September 2001)