Project Reevaluation

In March 2004, PennDOT Transportation Secretary, Allen D. Biehler, P.E., requested that projects throughout the Commonwealth be reevaluated. As a result, PennDOT District 10-0 was asked to reevaluate the scope of the project to identify a more cost effective, feasible approach while still meeting the project needs for safety, access, and travel capacity.

As part of the reevaluation process, the project team developed the following performance measures that were used to evaluate various options:
• Meet project needs
• Reduce project costs
• Integrate land use planning
• Enhance quality of life
• Integrate other modes of transportation

Based on these performance measures, a reevaluation approach was developed. On September 15th, the project team presented the approach to elected officials and the project’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) to explain the results of the reevaluation. “PennDOT is moving in the right direction with this approach,” said Lisa Chodkowski, CAC spokeswoman.

Specifics of the reevaluation:

Traditional Intersections
The project team is considering more traditional (i.e.: four legged or “T”) intersections without the use of a corridor-wide jughandle turnaround system. This option would require an upgrade to the Route 19 and 228 intersection. Any additional improvements to Route 19 could be studied as part of a separate future project. The project team is currently working with Cranberry Township representatives regarding concerns they expressed about the configuration of this intersection.

Existing Alignment of Route 228
This option would use as much of the existing alignment of Route 228 as possible to minimize the community and environmental impacts. There are some areas such as Mars School District and east of Route 8 where off-line alignments are being considered. However, the frontage road system proposed at Cranberry Commons Mall will not be considered as part of this scenario.

Managing Access to Route 228
It is important to improve traffic flow on Route 228 while providing access to local developments. The project team will be taking a comprehensive look at the management and regulation of access points including driveways, median openings, and traffic signals.

The use of these options leads to a cost savings of about $48 million. “We are pleased with the results of the reevaluation and the fact that we still have a project,” said Richard H. Hogg, P.E., District Executive. “The region will still have to work hard to obtain the funds for construction.”

In order to help local officials and the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission (SPC) obtain construction funding for the project on PennDOT’s 12-Year Program, the project may be separated into sections. Although the exact limits of these sections and the order in which they will be constructed have not been determined, the following sections are currently being considered:
• Route 19 to Criders Road
• Criders Road through Mars-Valencia Road
• Mars-Valencia Road through Balls Bend
• Balls Bend through both intersections with Routes 8 and 228

The project team must first gain environmental clearance on the entire corridor and have agreement on access points with the municipalities before construction phasing can be discussed in detail.