Business 30/PA 10 Project

SELECTED ALTERNATIVE

The results of the conceptual engineering evaluation and the feedback from the stakeholder and public meetings have been reviewed, and an alternative has been selected for the Western Terminus and PA 10 intersection. Alternative A (as presented at the October 2019 public meeting) has been selected to proceed to Preliminary Engineering. Additional public meetings will be held in the future, as the interchange design is completed and additional details are available.

SELECTED ALTERNATIVE: WESTERN TERMINUS/PA 10 ALTERNATIVE A, OCTOBER 2019

DECISION MATRICES

BUSINESS 30/PA 10 PROJECT BACKGROUND

The existing interchange of US 30 and Business US 30 provides both eastbound and westbound on-ramps and off-ramps. The existing intersection of US 30 and PA Route 10 is an at-grade, signalized intersection.

EXISTING CONDITIONS

Existing Interchange provides both Eastbound and Westbound on-ramps / off-ramps for Business 30 and US 30
US 30 / PA 10 Interchange is signalized

PURPOSE AND NEEDS

Purpose

The purpose of the project is to provide a safe and efficient transportation system by improving safety, reducing future congestion, accommodating planned growth, and improving facility deficiencies.

Needs

The project needs have been identified: Safety, Facility Deficiencies, and Congestion/Anticipated Growth

Safety – Several locations within the project corridor have crash rates that exceed the statewide average for the same type of facility. Peak travel time congestion, narrow or absence of shoulders, and inadequate signalization and traffic signal phasing contribute to the high crash rates.
Facility Deficiencies – Substandard roadway conditions exist throughout the project corridor. The existing pavement within the project area is approaching the end of its useful service life. The outer (right) shoulders are narrow and deteriorated. Two structures currently have insufficient vertical clearance.
Congestion/Anticipated Growth – The existing traffic at the signalized intersection of US 30 and PA 10 currently exceeds the capacity during certain periods of the day, which results in congestion and driver delay. In the future, growth is anticipated to continue along US 30 and PA 10 in the area, resulting in higher vehicular traffic volumes and further congestion and delay.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES

Some of the significant environmental features of the project area include farmland, a church, a nature preserve, township open space, potential historic properties, five streams and six wetlands. A total of 18 active agriculture parcels are present, one of which is in the Sadsbury Township Agricultural Security Area. The Gateway Grace Community Church is located south of US 30. The Sadsbury Woods Preserve owned by the Natural Lands Trust is located to the north of US 30. Sadsbury Township open space used for recreation abuts the preserve. There are numerous older buildings found throughout the corridor that may have historic significance and will require evaluation. The four streams present are tributaries to Buck Run, which supports natural trout reproduction and is also located within the project area. Two of the wetlands present are open-water farm ponds. The remaining four wetlands support predominately emergent vegetation and are considered to of exceptional value due to their connection with the Buck Run streams.