Final report published for the State College Connector Project
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CENTER COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) – The State College Area Connector Project is moving forward.
The final planning and environmental linkage report, also known as the PEL study, was released this week by PennDOT.
The PEL study examined what transportation improvements could be made in southern Center County and why they are needed.
This included examining how existing road and traffic conditions contribute to safety concerns in the study area and how the road network in the study area lacks continuity.
“Now that we’re moving and recommending the final PEL, we’re going to take all of that information and narrow it down to three corridors,” said District Portfolio Manager Eric Murnyack. “We’re going to take that and refine it to make sure what we’re putting on the map is actually there. So now it’s: “On the ground of facts.”
Currently, three possible routes for the project are narrowed down.
Murnyack said the next step for the project would be more spring public meetings focused on the National Environmental Policy Act Process.
In a press release, PennDOT said they expect to continue field testing of environmental features at the new study area. As part of the NEPA phase, PennDOT will refine alternative corridors to minimize impact. In addition, traffic models are updated to refine the orientation and configuration of the interchanges.
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You can read the full results of the study here.
