Route 202, Section 700 was previously identified for a limited access expressway. Plans for the new nine-mile, $465 million facility had progressed considerably. In March 2004, PennDOT examined its long-term financial commitments for transportation improvements across the state and determined that projected revenues fell far short of the funding required to construct all the projects planned. As a result, several projects across the state, including Route 202, Section 700, were identified for re-evaluation.

PennDOT initiated a study in April 2004 to reexamine the transportation needs in this area and seek a more affordable solution. After completion of the study in January 2005 and subsequent coordination and input from project stakeholders, residents and business owners, the results of these efforts were summarized in the September 2005 Route 202, Section 700 Community Task Force Report. This report identified the Parkway concept as the preferred transportation solution to improve travel along the corridor while still meeting PennDOT’s funding limitations. ________________________________________________________________________

PennDOT is currently evaluating the potential sound impacts of the project according to the approved Department policy. In an effort to reduce or eliminate possible noise impacts and based on input from our public involvement process, we have been proactively applying a combination of context sensitive design solutions to address potential sound impacts. Some of these solutions include moving the roadway away from homes, depressing the roadway, maintain existing trees and placing landscaped earth berms adjacent to the roadway. The results of the noise analysis will be present in the project’s environmental document. This document is scheduled to be available for public review in December 2006. ________________________________________________________________________

PennDOT guidance provides methods to computer model the design year worst-case highway traffic noise hour. The project's detailed modeling process evolved based on conditions where capacity constraints and effects on peak hour vehicle operating speed affected the typical peak noise periods.

The results of the computer modeling indicated that using the maximum traffic volumes/maximum speeds scenario produced sound levels that were 1-3 dBA (Leq) greater than a scenario with congested speeds/ traffic volumes with stop and go variables. Therefore, the former was used in the analysis to provide a conservative estimate of the future sound levels. Using this "worse than realistic worse-case scenario" provided the study team with the ability to be more cautious in identifying potential noise impacts (than with the congested conditions) and consider mitigation measures consistent with PennDOT guidance. ________________________________________________________________________

Staff from PennDOT’s Right-of-Way Unit will contact you directly if the state needs to purchase any land on your property for the project. ________________________________________________________________________

The need for a fence or other buffering between the Parkway’s shared-use trail and adjacent properties will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. ________________________________________________________________________

The Parkway will have a posted speed limit of 40 miles per hour. ________________________________________________________________________

Yes, trucks will be allowed on the Parkway. ________________________________________________________________________

PennDOT has committed to acquiring the entire original right-of-way as limited access meaning that no access to private properties will be available from the Parkway. ________________________________________________________________________

The trail is not anticipated to have continuous lighting. Lighting for the Parkway and shared-use trail will be considered at intersections between side roads and the Parkway. ________________________________________________________________________

Access points to the Parkway’s shared-use trail will be available at all intersections where overpasses and underpasses are not present. Additional access points for local neighborhoods, parks, residential developments, businesses, etc., will be considered as requested. ________________________________________________________________________

PennDOT, in coordination with the affected municipalities, evaluated the feasibility of incorporating roundabouts into the design of the Route 202 Parkway. Based on technical analysis and the requirement for community support of the concept, roundabouts at this time are not included in the Parkway design. PennDOT continues to support roundabouts as a potential option for an intersection improvement project when there is community support. ________________________________________________________________________