PA TURNPIKE MILEPOSTS 40-48 RECONSTRUCTION

THE CHALLENGE

The project was complicated by the need to replace six bridges over the existing mainline of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. These bridges weren’t wide enough to accommodate six lanes of traffic. Replacement of these bridges was completed in advance of the reconstruction and widening of the mainline. The timing of the bridge replacements was coordinated such that local detour routes were not an overburden to local residents. In addition, the widening required numerous utility relocations that added to the footprint and impact of the project, and required coordination and negotiation with the utility companies.

HOW WE HELPED

McCormick Taylor contacted resource agencies, reviewed aerial photographs, conducted field views, contacted property owners, and more in an attempt to identify a suitable mitigation site. One property in an adjoining watershed was identified as a suitable site, but the Department of Environmental Protection requested that the mitigation be conducted in the Allegheny River drainage. As a result, three small wetland mitigation sites are being designed to offset the wetland impacts of the project.

 

As a result of numerous streams and tributaries located in the area of the study, a large number of stream impacts were associated with the project. McCormick Taylor identified and developed stream mitigation plans to offset the stream impacts associated with the project. Stream mitigation activities investigated included streambed and bank stabilization, aquatic habitat enhancement, and riparian zone plantings.

 

RESULTS

The public meeting notifications, displays, handouts and other materials were so well-received that the PTC asked McCormick Taylor to prepare templates that could serve as guidance for all future public PTC project meetings.