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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 24-1225

NOTICES

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Finding

[54 Pa.B. 5589]
[Saturday, August 31, 2024]

 Under section 2002 of The Administrative Code of 1929 (71 P.S. § 512) establishing the Department of Transportation, the Director of the Bureau of Design and Delivery, as delegated by the Secretary of Transportation, makes the following written finding:

 The selected alternative (Alternative 1) includes improvements to Exit 164 State Route (SR) 0029—Nanticoke) and Exits 165A and B (Mountain Top/Wilkes-Barre) as well as a partial realignment of I-81 northbound and southbound. The selected alternative includes the addition of a third travel lane along both I-81 northbound and southbound to accommodate current and future traffic growth. This alternative also includes significant improvements to the I-81 northbound exit and entrance ramps with SR 0029. The SR 0029 southbound movement to I-81 northbound ramp will utilize an update to the existing ramp that passes SR 0029 under I-81. The existing I-81 northbound loop exit ramp to SR 0029 northbound will be eliminated and replaced with a proposed ramp that continues an exclusive exit loop ramp that traverses under I-81 northbound and southbound mainline using the same structures that cross over SR 0309.

 A new diamond interchange between I-81 and SR 0309 is proposed in the middle-bifurcated area. I-81 northbound and southbound will be relocated to the middle of the bifurcated area to create alignments for both directions of traffic that will meet or exceed the current design requirements for a 70-mph design speed. SR 0309 will also be relocated farther to the west within the bifurcated area to better align with the proposed diamond interchange with I-81. The existing connection of Hazleton Street (SR 2003) with the existing SR 0309 will be eliminated with this alternative. Hazleton Street will be realigned to connect with the realigned SR 0309 to the west of the proposed diamond interchange.

 The Environmental Assessment (EA) and EA comment responses have been evaluated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and were determined to discuss adequately and accurately the need, environmental issues and impacts of the proposed project and mitigation measures that will be taken to minimize harm as stipulated in the EA. Based on the EA, the FHWA has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the project. The Bureau of Design and Delivery has concluded that all State Environmental Evaluation Requirements, as published in section 2002 of The Administrative Code of 1929, have been satisfied.

 Mitigation measures will be taken to minimize harm as stipulated in the EA. No significant environmental impact is likely to result from the proposed action.

CHRISTINE SPANGLER, PE, 
Director
Bureau of Design and Delivery

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 24-1225. Filed for public inspection August 30, 2024, 9:00 a.m.]


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