To maintain progress and address rising costs for relieving traffic congestion in Marshalls Creek, Monroe County, the Department of Transportation is resizing a planned four-lane, limited access bypass.

 

“We are focused on this fast-growing region’s traffic congestion challenges, and we are not about to let dramatically rising construction costs deter us from reaching a solution,” said Transportation Secretary Allen D. Biehler, P.E.

The significant increase in costs for cement, steel and petroleum were among the factors driving the construction price up by 63 percent since 2003. Once estimated to cost about $68 million, the 3.5-mile proposed Marshalls Creek bypass is now projected to cost more than $200 million.

“The dramatic cost increases come at a time when the state must deal with the largest number of structurally deficient bridges in the nation,” Biehler said.

Across the state, other projects are undergoing similar reviews because of the dramatic cost increases and the pressing bridge needs.

PennDOT has assembled a work group (See Marshalls Creek Project Briefing ) whose charge is to develop a scalable, affordable solution to address Marshalls Creek traffic congestion.

“We will also work with the Federal Highway Administration; state Rep. John Siptroth, a tireless advocate for solving this problem; Sen. Lisa Baker; and others on a workable solution that fits our budget and can be delivered,” Biehler said.