Draft’s future projects could ease Valley commutes
On Friday, the Lehigh Valley Transportation Study released its first draft of its long-range transportation plan — essentially, the region’s to-do list. This doesn’t mean they’re definitely getting money: The long-range transportation plan makes projects eligible for state and federal funding without awarding them any cash.
Local and state governments typically have more needs than they can realistically pay for, making it difficult to even get on the long-range plan. This year’s plan was tougher than usual. PennDOT announced last month it was cutting projected funding to infrastructure projects around the state due to a lack of federal funds and the pressing need to maintain the interstate system in Pennsylvania. Those cuts could cost the Lehigh Valley $380 million over the next 12 years.
As a result, only 78 projects were selected for the long-range plan from a pool of 244 proposals. The list can still change, but here are five prominent ones included on the draft. the project or if work would need to extend beyond 2040. Center and the Lehigh Valley Mall in 30 minutes.
“By redesigning the road to focus on people and a mix of transportation options, we can create a road that moves more people, while being safe and attractive for walkers, bikers, rollers and public transit users,” the FutureLV report states. Route 22 and the Main Street interchange for $19.9 million. A separate project would seek to improve another 3 miles from Brighton Street — just south of the Hill to Hill Bridge — to Colesville Road in Upper Saucon Township. The second project has an estimated cost of $13.4 million.