PennDOT welcomes you to the Virtual Public Meeting for the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project. Click the video below for an introduction to the project:

Click here to download a PDF transcript of the video.

Thank you for joining us to learn more about the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project. We're here to provide information about the project's design plans, environmental studies, potential toll implementation, and project schedule.

You can access this meeting between Nov. 17 at 12:00 p.m. and Dec. 17, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. at your convenience.

We encourage comments on the project. Comments will be accepted through Dec. 17 when the meeting closes. Comments may be submitted via the comment form at the end of this meeting, via email to i80LehighRiverBridge@pa.gov, by leaving a message on our hotline at 570-793-2045 or by sending a letter to I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project, 1002 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101.

The I-80 Lehigh River Bridge is aging and reaching the end of its serviceable lifespan. The proposed project would address the deterioration of the aging bridge structures and provide safe connectivity for interstate travelers, commuters, commercial users, emergency services, tourists, and local residents.

We've identified needs this project is intended to address:

The bridge's aging structure

The existing I-80 dual bridges are more than 50 years old and are reaching the end of their serviceable lifespan.

Vital connection in the area

I-80 provides a critical link in the Interstate commerce system, and as such is vital to efficient movement of goods and people. Further deterioration of the Lehigh River Bridges could cause the bridges to be load posted.

The replacement I-80 Lehigh River Bridge would span across the valley with structures having anticipated lengths of 850 feet (eastbound) and 770 feet (westbound). Several structure options were examined with consideration of cost, constructability, and future maintenance. It was found that girder structures would be the most cost-effective option for the bridge design.

To allow maintenance of traffic during construction, the new eastbound bridge will be built just south of the existing eastbound bridge. The new westbound bridge will be built on the existing westbound alignment. The acceleration lane for the eastbound on-ramp from SR 940 will be extended across the new eastbound bridge.

You can see the recommended project design below.

The estimated cost of construction of the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project is between $47 and $52 million.

PennDOT Pathways is a program to identify and implement alternative funding solutions for Pennsylvania's transportation system. As Pennsylvania's mobility needs have grown, the amount of funding required to support our transportation system has continued to increase. Much of our current funding comes from gas taxes and driver and vehicle fees. While this model worked well in the past, circumstances today have made it unsustainable. With PennDOT Pathways, we're looking for reliable, future-focused funding solutions that will meet our growing needs while serving our communities and all Pennsylvanians for generations to come.

PennDOT currently faces an $8.1 billion gap in highway and bridge funding. This means we aren't generating enough funds to properly maintain, restore and expand our transportation system. PennDOT is taking action to find reliable sources of funding through the PennDOT Pathways program.

For more information about PennDOT Pathways, visit www.penndot.gov/funding.

One of the funding solutions identified in the Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study was the implementation of bridge tolls on major bridge projects across the state. The I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project is one of several projects being evaluated as a candidate for bridge tolling as a part of the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative. You can learn more about the program and initiative at the link above.

A bridge toll is a fee that drivers pay when using a specific bridge, often by using a service like E-ZPass. The funds received from the bridge toll would go back to the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge to pay for its construction, maintenance and operation.

Based on feedback received from the public and at stakeholder workshops, and because of the proximity of the two candidate bridges on the eastern end of I-80 and the two on the western end, PennDOT has decided to pursue one-way tolling on four bridge projects: Lehigh River, Nescopeck, Canoe Creek and North Fork bridges. Traffic would be tolled eastbound at Lehigh River, westbound at Nescopeck, and eastbound at Canoe Creek, westbound at North Fork. Tolls are expected to be $1-$2 for passenger cars using E-ZPass at each toll location. The one-way tolling will reduce the number of tolls drivers would have to pay on I-80, as well as overall diversions and the need for additional tolling infrastructure.

To implement the toll with All-Electronic Tolling (such as E-ZPass or toll-by-plate), a tolling gantry would be installed to collect tolls from vehicles travelling eastbound across the bridge. The gantry would not require drivers to stop to pay a toll when using the bridge but would record vehicles as they pass under the gantry sensor. The toll gantry location is shown on the map below.

Signs would be placed prior to the tolling facility to inform drivers about the toll bridge, as well as at the interchanges and along the local roadway network.

PennDOT has established that tolls on the candidate bridges, including the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge, would be in the range of $1-$2 for cars using E-ZPass and higher for toll-by-plate and for medium or heavy trucks. Exact tolling amounts would be determined once design plans are finalized so the toll would generate enough revenue for the bridge's replacement, operations, and maintenance for a period of approximately 30 years. At the end of the 30-year term for the Public-Private Partnership (P3), the tolling facility would be removed.

Qualifying emergency vehicles would be permitted to use Pathways' bridges at no cost, following the Pennsylvania Turnpike Policy (PDF).

It is expected that toll collection on the bridge would begin between 2023 and 2025.

Categorical Exclusion

A CE is an environmental study of a project. For this project's CE, cultural, natural, and community impacts were studied. A CE is being prepared for the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project to address the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

Your input is an important component of this CE. The public is encouraged to provide their comments during this public meeting comment period.

Parks & Recreational Areas

The dual bridges carry I-80 over the Lehigh River, Lehigh Gorge State Park and Trail, Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad, and River Road in White Haven Borough, Luzerne County, and East Side Borough and Kidder Township, Carbon County. Required Right-of-Way, Aerial Easements, and Temporary Construction Easements are necessary for the project, including approximately 7 acres from Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Construction of the I-80 bridges is expected to take approximately four years to complete, estimated to begin in 2023. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has broken ground on a capital improvements project in Lehigh Gorge State Park that is planned to be completed in 2022. Anticipated temporary impacts to Lehigh Gorge State Park property and the Lehigh River Water Trail are summarized below.

Lehigh Gorge Trail:

• April through October: Overnight trail closures are anticipated. Short-term trail closures are anticipated during daylight hours Monday through Friday using flaggers and advance signage.
• November through March: Long-term trail closures in the vicinity of the bridges are anticipated.

Lehigh Gorge State Park driveway and parking:

• The driveway and parking will be closed from the White Haven Shopping Center to the future park facilities south of the bridges.
• The future park entrance south of the bridges will remain open during construction, including the overflow parking area and a portion of the parking along the driveway.

Boat launches:

• The boat launch directly under the bridges will be closed during construction.
• The three future boat launches downstream of the bridge will remain open during construction.

Lehigh River Water Trail:

• Temporary causeways will extend from both riverbanks but will not completely block the river.
• An Aids to Navigation Plan will be implemented to ensure safe passage for boaters through the construction area and will include advance signing.

PennDOT will also provide replacement land as part of mitigation for Required Right-of-Way, Aerial Easement, and Temporary Construction Easements within Lehigh Gorge State Park.

The majority of Lehigh Gorge State Park will remain open during bridge construction, and access to the boat launches and Lehigh River will be maintained. The contractor will restore disturbed areas, and full access to park amenities will be provided upon completion. PennDOT's opinion is the project will not adversely impact the recreational functions of the resources.

Lehigh River

As mentioned in the section above, a portion of the Lehigh River is within the project area. This area of the river is navigable waters and coordination with United States Coast Guard (USCG) is ongoing.

This is a designated scenic river in Pennsylvania. In addition to the project utilizing robust Erosion and Sedimentation Control plans and developing an approved Aids to Navigation Plan to accommodate recreational use of the waterway during construction, the following mitigation measures will be implemented:

• Vegetative buffers will be provided to extent practicable to screen construction and demolition staging areas.
• The existing steel bridges are being removed. Steel girders, if used on the new bridge, will be weathering steel or painted a "natural" color to blend with the setting.
• Where possible, the contract will require riprap to be covered with soil and vegetation.
• The contract will require native vegetation to be used in the disturbed riverbank areas. PennDOT will continue to coordinate with DCNR regarding the project plantings.
• The contract will require the scenic river signs at the leading ends of each bridge. The contract will require signage on the bridge for water trail users.
• Temporary impacts to the Lehigh Gorge Trail under the bridge for pedestrian/bike traffic are being coordinated with DCNR.

Section 4(f) and Section 6(f) Resources

The project bridges span a valley that includes numerous resources protected under Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966. Section 4(f), abbreviated here for simplicity, specifies that the Secretary of Transportation may approve a transportation project requiring the use of publicly owned land of a public park, recreation area, or wildlife or waterfowl refuge, or land of an historic site only if there is no prudent and feasible alternative and the project includes all possible planning to minimize harm resulting from the use, or the use is de minimis.

Of these Section 4(f) resources, only Lehigh Gorge State Park and Trail and the Lehigh River Water Trail will be used by the project. Anticipated impacts to these resources were discussed previously under Parks & Recreational Areas. Mitigation measures will include:

• Advance notice of trail closures will be provided to DCNR, the Borough of White Haven, and the public.
• The contractor may temporarily realign the trail through the project site if approved by DCNR. A 10' wide trail will be maintained.
• If necessary due to pier locations, reconfiguration of the driveway, parking, or boat launches will be coordinated with DCNR.
• An Aids to Navigation Plan will be implemented and will include advance signing. Signs will be placed at boat launches upstream of the project. Additional advanced notification to DCNR and the public will be provided.
• The contractor will restore disturbed areas, and full access to the park amenities will be provided upon completion.

Lehigh Gorge State Park is also protected under Section 6(f) of the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Act of 1965. The LWCF Act created the LWCF State Assistance Program to assist in preserving, developing, and assuring all citizens of the United States the availability of outdoor recreation resources. The program provides matching grants up to 50% to states and through states to local governments for acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation sites and facilities. The Act contains mandatory provisions to protect property acquired or developed with assistance of the LWCF. The National Park Service (NPS) is the federal agency responsible for administering the LWCF. DCNR has confirmed that LWCF funds were used to purchase land for the Lehigh Gorge State Park. The entire state park is afforded protection under Section 6(f). As such, any land necessary to be acquired for construction of the project would be considered a conversion from public outdoor recreation use to transportation use. A temporary construction easement occupied longer than 180 days is considered a permanent conversation also requiring replacement of property.

PennDOT will provide replacement land for the Section 6(f) conversion (Required Right-of-Way, Aerial Easement, and Temporary Construction Easements) and is actively coordinating with DCNR to identify suitable property. This replacement land will also serve as part of mitigation for the Section 4(f) use of Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Wetland and Waterways Impacts and Mitigation

Wetland and waterway impacts were studied as a part of the Categorical Exclusion environmental studies for the project. Ten stream channels, totaling approximately 4 acres (4,665 linear feet), and eight wetland areas, totaling approximately 1 acre, were identified within the project study area.

** Coordination Ongoing

The wetlands within the project area are associated with the Lehigh River, a naturally reproducing trout water and Scenic River, and therefore are given an Exceptional Value (EV) designation. Mitigation details will be determined in the Final Design phase of the project.

Section 106

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires identification of, and assessment of effects on, historic properties and archaeological sites listed on, or eligible for listing on, the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Consultation with persons interested in the historic and archaeological properties/sites is integral to the Section 106 process and the project's public involvement. The Section 106 process includes identifying an area of potential effect (APE) for the project, and inviting property owners within that APE, as well as historical societies and others to participate in the Section 106 process as "Consulting Parties." Separate APEs are established for the archaeological investigations and for above-ground historical properties or resources.

Through the assessment, it was determined that the project would have no effect on historic or prehistoric properties.

Waste Studies

A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) was conducted for the project study area. This included record reviews, interviews, site reconnaissance, compilation of data, data evaluation, and recommendations. Two sites were identified that will require further investigation as the project progresses:

• Abandoned municipal White Haven Landfill
• Historic Fill Material

The recommended Phase II/III investigation is in progress.

Right-of-Way Acquisition

Where the project requires acquisition of right of way, property would be purchased in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.

Traffic diversion analysis comprises two distinct steps. The first is the development of the traffic model to predict how much traffic would divert off the interstate when a toll is imposed and what route that traffic would take. The second step is evaluating and analyzing the diversion routes identified to determine the impact of the diverted traffic on that route and to identify improvements to mitigate those impacts.

A detailed traffic demand model was used to identify diversion routes. The existing statewide demand model that was employed is based on assumptions involving the transportation system, regional demographics and traveler characteristics. These assumptions were then combined using data from traffic counts (including the share of truck traffic), recorded travel speeds and origin and destination patterns, along with regional travel demand models. The model is then run under various parameters to predict the amount of traffic that would be diverted off the interstate and more importantly, where that traffic would go.

If a toll is placed on the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge, an estimated 9% of daily traffic is expected to choose to divert off the interstate to avoid paying the toll, based on the results of the detailed traffic model. The model was also used to analyze what routes they would predominantly take. Diverted traffic would be primarily passenger vehicles and small trucks. As mentioned above, based in part on feedback received from the public and at stakeholder workshops, PennDOT has decided to pursue one-way tolling for the four I-80 bridges and would only collect tolls on the eastbound Lehigh River Bridge.

So where does the majority of the diverting traffic go? The primary diversion route identified for this project is State Route 940. This route is shown on the map below. You can click on the map to enlarge it.

As you can see from the table below, the AM and PM Peak Hour traffic on the bridge will be reduced by approximately 100-120 vehicles per hour, and the primary diversion route will increase by approximately 70-80 vehicles per hour. The remaining diverted traffic will utilize a variety of other routes, but those routes will not be substantially impacted given the amount of traffic predicted to use them.

2023 Peak Traffic Volume

The origin-destination patterns are also taken into account in looking at diversion. The origin-destination criteria is divided into three categories: local (less than 10 miles), regional (10-25 miles) and external (more than 25 miles). As you can see in the graphic below, the majority of the traffic traveling over the bridges originates from external locations and is destined to external locations. Because these trips are typically long-distance trips, this type of traffic is more likely to stay on the interstate and not divert.

Once it was determined how much traffic would divert and the primary route that would be utilized, a comprehensive evaluation of the potential impacts to the diversion route was undertaken. The graphic below highlights the key methodology for the evaluation of the diversion route.

A workshop was conducted with key stakeholders in August 2021 to get feedback on the diversion route analysis and collect additional information on routes drivers might take, and potential impacts from diverting traffic. This feedback was incorporated into the traffic diversion analysis and evaluated to identify improvements PennDOT could consider to mitigate effects on the community caused by toll diversion. The analysis and recommended improvements to off-set effects are shared below.

An extensive traffic study was conducted of the primary diversion route, including field observations and stakeholder coordination, traffic counts, capacity analysis, and crash analysis.

Field Observation

Field observations included:

• Travel time measurements on I-80 and along the diversion route
• Observations of travel time and congestion
• Field sight-distance measurements
• Evaluation of pavement conditions, guiderail, and a gabion retaining wall along portions of the diversion route

Stakeholders

Concerns about the project area that were discussed during stakeholder coordination included:

• The condition of pavement along SR 940
• The condition of the slope and guide rail along the SR 940 curve to the east of the Lehigh River
• Operational issues at the intersection of SR 940 and SR 437, with three of the four approaches being stop sign controlled, which the fourth was free flow
• Truck turning movements are problematic at the intersection of SR 940/SR 437 given the proximity of residences on all four quadrants of the intersection

Traffic Counts

Intersection turning movement counts were conducted at 6 intersections along the primary diversion route, including the I-80 ramps at SR 940 and SR 534, as shown on the Diversion Route Map, during the AM peak, midday, and PM peak periods. These counts included separate tabulations of pedestrians, motorcycles, cars, trucks, medium trucks, and heavy trucks. Video was taken during the counts to document traffic operations.

Capacity Analysis

• Capacity analysis was conducted of these 6 intersections using the Highway Capacity Manual methodology in the Synchro analysis software
• Increased traffic along the primary diversion route following the implementation of tolling was estimated using the Statewide Traffic Model.
• The capacity analysis indicated that most study area intersections are projected to operate with a low level of congestion in the future. The only exception is the intersection of SR 940 and SR 437, which will experience increased delay in the weekday PM peak hour.

Crash Analysis

The crash analysis looked at five years' data of reported crashes and identified a small crash cluster at one location, along SR 940, to the east of the intersection with SR 437.

Through input provided at the diversion workshop and through evaluation of traffic and crash data, several issues have been identified throughout the project study. The following is a listing of the major identified issues along with a brief discussion on how those issues are expected to be addressed.

• SR 940 and SR 437
• Issue - Turning trucks are not accommodated well by tight intersection geometry.
• Issue - Operational issues with only three of the four approaches controlled by a stop-sign.
• Issue - Pavement depth extending above the level of the adjacent curb.
• Resolution - A Traffic Signal Warrant Analysis was completed. Existing and projected traffic volumes do not meet warrants for signalization. Also, it is not desirable to stop traffic on the westbound approach due to the grade of that approach, so no changes to the existing traffic control is recommended.
• Resolution - Mill the existing pavement and repave, to reestablish the curb line and update the ADA ramps at the intersection to meet the new pavement elevation.
• SR 940, curve to the east of the Lehigh River
• Issue - Slope instability and deteriorating guide rail.
• Resolution - Repair/replace the retaining wall, adjacent pavement, and guide rail.
• SR 940, east of SR 437
• Issue - Pavement condition along SR 940 (Berwick Street), between SR 437 and Chemung Street.
• Issue - Multiple locations where the pavement has shoved and accumulated creating a mound of pavement within the WB wheel path.
• Resolution - Mill and repave SR 940 (Berwick Street) between Church Street and Chemung Street, including base repairs at the multiple areas of significant pavement shoving/rutting.
• SR 940, from I-476 interchange to Lehigh River
• Issue - Speeding trucks, particularly eastbound going downhill.
• Resolution - Review existing speed limit signage and supplement in appropriate locations, provide paint striping and radar speed signs emphasizing speed limit.
• SR 940 and SR 534
• Issue - Sight line issues for vehicles exiting SR 534 onto SR 940.
• Resolution - Modify existing paint striping on SR 534 to bring left-turning SR 534 vehicles closer to a 90-degree angle at the intersection and cut back vegetation within ROW along SR 940, to the east of SR 534.
• D&L Trail Crossing at SR 940
• Issue - D&L Trail crosses SR 940 along Main Street. The crosswalk is faded.
• Resolution - Install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) to improve the visibility of the crosswalk and repaint crosswalk at the existing crossing of SR 940 at Main Street.
• SR 940 Vertical Curves
• Issue - Under clearance restriction exist near the railroad crossing.
• Resolution - Continue under clearance restriction since geometric constraints make the reprofiling of the roadway to eliminate the restriction impractical.

In summary, the following is a listing of the proposed diversion route improvement measures proposed in conjunction with the I-80 bridge tolling:

• Mill the existing pavement and repave the intersection of SR 940 and SR 437, to reestablish the curb line and update the ADA ramps at the intersection to meet the new pavement elevation.
• Repair/replace the gabion retaining wall, adjacent pavement, and guide rail along SR 940 along the curve to the east of the Lehigh River.
• Mill and repave SR 940 (Berwick Street) between Church Street and Chemung Street, including base repairs at the multiple areas of significant pavement shoving/rutting.
• Review the existing speed limit signage along SR 940 between the I-476 interchange and the Lehigh River, and supplement in appropriate locations, provide paint striping and radar speed signs emphasizing speed limit.
• Modify the existing pavement striping on SR 534 at SR 940 to bring left-turning SR 534 vehicles closer to a 90-degree angle at the intersection and cut back vegetation within ROW along SR 940, to the east of SR 534.
• Install a flashing beacon for crossing SR 940 at Main Street to improve the visibility of the crosswalk and repaint crosswalk at the existing crossing of the D&L Trail at SR 940.
• Conduct before/after study of intersection operations - Because modeling forecasts can sometimes differ from actual impacts, before and after studies will be conducted on the diversion routes. These studies will confirm the models' results or identify areas where additional evaluations should be conducted to identify improvements for consideration and potential implementation.

Executive Order 12898, Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations (February 11, 1994), directs federal agencies to identify and address, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of programs, policies and activities on minority and low-income populations.

• Low-income is defined as a person whose median household income is at or below the Department of Health and Human Services federal poverty guidelines ($26,500 for a household of four).
• Minority is a person who is: (1) Black (2) Hispanic or Latino (3) Asian American (4) American Indian and Alaskan Native, or (5) Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.

Implementation of a toll would affect all bridge users regardless of income and minority status. Because tolls would comprise a larger percentage of a low-income bridge user's income, tolls would have a greater effect on these users, particularly if they depend on the bridge for daily travel to work or other destinations. As a result, and in keeping with other Department of Human Services (DHS) financial assistance programs offered in Pennsylvania (SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP), PennDOT is proposing to offer toll-free bridge access to low-income persons qualifying for one or more of these DHS programs. The DHS financial assistance programs use a progressive income limit based on the number of people in a household (equivalent to about $35,000 for a family of four — but it varies slightly by DHS program). Individuals who qualify for toll-free bridge access would select one toll bridge from the Major Bridge P3 Initiative to apply these benefits.

As a result of PennDOT's tolling policy explained above, no adverse effects on low-income bridge users are expected to result from implementation of a new toll. PennDOT would implement an extensive public outreach program to provide information on the tolling policy and assist low-income and minority populations in the application process to enter the program and benefit from the tolling policy.

U.S. Census data, a windshield survey, and information received from PennDOT outreach initiatives have not identified low-income or minority populations along the traffic diversion route. As indicated in the Traffic Diversion Analysis section above, PennDOT would make minor roadway improvements to minimize effects on the diversion route.

Nevertheless, PennDOT is seeking participation by all potentially affected communities in order to understand how the effects of increased traffic may impact low-income and minority populations. You are encouraged to contribute to our understanding of local conditions by submitting your comments using the form at the end of the meeting.

The project's next step is to complete the environmental studies and prepare the Categorical Exclusion.

Here, you can see a timeline of the project's major milestones completed to date along with estimated timeframes for milestones moving forward:

Thank you for reviewing the virtual public meeting for the I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project. Your input is important to us and is an important part of the Categorical Exclusion.

If you would like to submit a comment directly through this virtual meeting, please use the comment form below. You can also provide your feedback via email to i80LehighRiverBridge@pa.gov, by leaving a message on our hotline at 570-793-2045 or by sending a letter to I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project, 1002 Hamilton Street, Allentown, PA 18101. The comment submission period runs until Dec. 17, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

Email:
i80LehighRiverBridge@pa.gov

Hotline:
570-793-2045