The I-83 Master Plan described the existing problems with this 11-mile I-83 segment, including deteriorating pavement, high traffic volumes and congestion, and comparatively poor safety characteristics. The document considered a number of transportation solutions, including transit options, and concluded that this 11-mile segment of I-83 would need to be reconstructed. Based on the ability to be programmed, studied, and constructed, the 11-mile segment was divided into four sections, three in Dauphin County and one in Cumberland County. Design concepts were developed for each of the project sections, to serve as a starting point for subsequent engineering and environmental studies that precede construction. The I-83 Master Plan included a Project Deployment Plan, which outlined a sequence by which each completed section will result in improved system-wide operational characteristics. The I-83 East Shore Section 1 Project will be the first to be environmentally studied, designed, and constructed.

The process will involve preliminary engineering, final design, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocation, and construction. Preliminary engineering involves the consideration of a range of design alternatives and ends with the environmental clearance document. Preliminary engineering is anticipated to require two years to complete. The process will include a public meeting, along with consultations with the affected municipalities and special interest groups. Discussions of compensations for right-of-way impacts will occur during final design, which will follow the preliminary engineering activities.

For more information regarding this important transportation facility upgrade, please contact John Bachman, Senior Project Manager for PennDOT District 8 at 717-783-4519 or jobachman@state.pa.us.