A Closer Look at the School Area Alternatives

Four alternatives were studied in detail around the Mars area schools. They were the: Northern (Blue), Online (Yellow-Black), Southern 1 (Yellow-Aqua-Black), and Southern 2 (Yellow) alternatives. The Project Team compared the alternatives by considering environmental impacts, engineering criteria, and the ability of the alternatives to meet the project needs. Environmental resources include but are not limited to wetlands, streams, historic resources, 4(f) Resources, cemeteries, farmlands, Agricultural Security Areas, and impacts to residences and businesses, and public facilities.

The Northern Alternative (Blue) and the Southern 2 Alternative (Yellow) both had higher impacts to environmental resources than the other two alternatives. For this reason the Northern Alternative (Blue) and the Southern 2 Alternative (Yellow) have been recommended to be dismissed. Take a look at the Preliminary Environmental Features Impact Matrix.

The Project Team members conducted detailed studies, working to refine the two remaining alternatives to address public concerns and further minimize impacts. Special focus meetings were held with the local townships and other stakeholders that were directly impacted. In August 2005, a new transportation law was passed that changed the environmental regulations. The changes required the team to reevaluate the parks and historic properties in the study area. As a result, further refinements to the alternatives were made. With the studies now complete, PennDOT determined that Alternative 1 is the Recommended Preferred Alternative. Alternative 1 meets project needs and addresses public input while balancing and minimizing environmental impacts overall. However, public involvement will continue to play an important role until the FHWA makes the final decision on which alternative will actually be constructed. For more details on the analysis, please review the Environmental Assessment at a library or municipal building near you.