PennDOT is reviewing recent Commonwealth Court decisions and Act 84 of 2022 and evaluating the path forward for the Major Bridge P3 initiative. The website will be updated when next steps are determined.
I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project
Environmental Assessment Open House
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PennDOT welcomes you to the Environmental Assessment Open House for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project. Click the video below for an introduction to the project:
Click here to download a PDF transcript of the video.
The Environmental Assessment (EA) for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project is available for public review. Download a PDF of the EA.
Open House Materials
Below you can find updated information about this project, including design plans, the project's purpose and need, details on potential tolling implementation, environmental studies and mitigation, traffic diversion and route improvements, and schedule. Use the navigation bar at the top of the page to revisit any part of the meeting.
Project Overview
The Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project
The proposed project consists of the replacement of the two bridges carrying I-80 eastbound (EB) and westbound (WB) over Nescopeck Creek in Black Creek Township, Luzerne County. The existing dual structures were built in 1965 and last repaired in 2005. Combined, the bridges carry an average of 33,000 vehicles per day, approximately 36 percent of which are trucks.
Study Area Map
The I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project covers an approximately one-mile section of the interstate and includes replacement of the mainline dual bridges that cross Nescopeck Creek (see map below) as well as new advanced tolling signage and a ramp realignment at Exit 256 (SR 93 near Conyngham).
Purpose & Need
The I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges are aging and do not meet current design standards. The purpose of the project is to provide a sustainable travel way/crossing that accommodates interstate highway freight and mobility and to provide a safe and efficient highway for motorists over Nescopeck Creek.
We've identified the following needs this project is intended to address:
Aging Infrastructure
The bridges are nearly 60 years old and approaching the end of their serviceable lifespan. This means that in the near future, wear and tear on the bridges will cause the need for more frequent and costly repairs.
Substandard Lane Width
Widening the bridges will allow future inspections to take place from the shoulders, reducing short-term traffic impacts.
Where We Are Now
This project is one of nine that are being evaluated as a candidate for bridge tolling as part of the Major Bridge Public- Private Partnership (P3) Initiative. More information on bridge tolling and the PennDOT Pathways program can be found in the Bridge Tolling section of this Open House below.
PennDOT, in coordination with FHWA, is preparing EAs for the Major Bridge P3 Initiative candidate bridges in accordance with NEPA. These EAs examine the significance of potential impacts to natural, social, economic and cultural resources from the alternative(s) under consideration. The results of the EAs' environmental analyses will determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement needs to be prepared, or whether a Finding of No Significant Impact can be issued.
The project team hosted a public meeting on the project, both in person and virtually, in November and December 2021.
The project is currently in preliminary design.
Project Design
The existing structures are 507-foot long, four-span continuous welded steel girder bridges on concrete abutments and hammerhead piers built in 1965. Each bridge carries two lanes of traffic over Nescopeck Creek.
The existing structures are proposed to be replaced with four-span continuous composite prestressed concrete bulb-tee beam bridges with reinforced concrete integral abutments and wingwalls, and reinforced concrete multi-column pier bents on spread footings. The proposed bridges will be widened to accommodate traffic control and future bridge maintenance projects but will only be striped for two lanes. The structures are proposed to be on the same alignment as the existing ones.
Phased construction will be implemented to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction during construction. No detour of I-80 will be needed for the reconstruction of the bridge. A temporary local detour of the adjacent SR 3016 (Tank Road) will be required to accommodate the widening of I-80 EB.
You can see a plan sheet of the project design, as well as a typical section, below.
Typical Section
Bridge Tolling
Funding
The estimated cost of construction of the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project is between $40 million and $45 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.pa.gov/funding.
To support PennDOT Pathways, a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study was conducted to identify near- and long-term funding solutions and establish a methodology for their evaluation. One of the funding solutions identified was the implementation of bridge tolls on major bridge projects across the state. The I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project is one of nine projects being evaluated as a candidates for bridge tolling as a part of the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (MBP3) 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 this toll would go back to the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges to pay for their construction, maintenance and operation.
Toll Implementation
Based on feedback received from the public and at stakeholder workshops, and because of the close proximity of the two candidate bridges on the western end of I-80 and the two on the eastern end, PennDOT has decided to pursue one-way tolling on four bridge projects: Nescopeck, Lehigh River, Canoe Creek and North Fork. Traffic would be tolled westbound at Nescopeck and eastbound at Lehigh River, westbound at North Fork and eastbound at Canoe Creek. Tolls are expected to be $1-$2 for passenger cars using E-ZPass at each toll location. The one-way tolling will reduce overall diversions and reduce the need for additional tolling infrastructure to be built.
At the Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project, the proposed tolling facility would be constructed along the westbound direction of I-80 about a half-mile west of the new bridges and it would require the installation of a small driveway/parking area along the shoulder for maintenance and access. The tolling facility would not require drivers to stop to pay a toll when using the bridge but will record vehicles as they pass under the gantry sensor. A map of the toll gantry location is below.
In addition, signs will be placed about 1 mile prior to the tolling facility to the east to inform drivers about the toll bridge, as well as at Exit 256 near Conyngham and its respective local roadway network, to notify drivers about the toll bridge.
Exact tolling amounts will be determined once design plans are finalized so the toll would generate enough revenue for the bridges' replacement and maintenance for a period of approximately 30 years. At the end of the 30-year term for the Public Private Partnership, the tolling facility would be removed.
Qualifying emergency vehicles would be permitted to use MBP3 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.
Environmental Studies & Mitigation
Environmental Assessment
An EA is a document that examines the significance of potential impacts to natural, social, economic and cultural resources from the alternative(s) under consideration. The EA for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project was prepared to address the requirements of NEPA, which requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions.
The results of the EA's environmental analyses will determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement needs to be prepared, or whether a Finding of No Significant Impact can be issued.
Section 106 (Cultural Resources)
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is applicable to federal agencies and 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 public's involvement in the project. 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.
All proposed construction activities will take place within PennDOT's existing right of way, including existing roadbed and already-disturbed median and interchange areas. No further review under Section 106 is required.
Wetland and Waterways Impacts
Wetland and waterway impacts were studied as a part of the NEPA process. Overall, a few intermittent and perennial streams were observed along the Study Area; namely Nescopeck and Black Creeks as well as a few other unnamed tributaries to Nescopeck Creek. A few wetlands were also observed along the edge of Nescopeck Creek.
For the bridge replacement over Nescopeck Creek, the proposed construction activities will result in:
| Permanent | Temporary | |
|---|---|---|
| Wetland Impacts | 0.052 acres | 0.12 acre |
| Stream Impacts | 444 linear feet | 732 linear feet |
Nescopeck Creek is listed as Approved Trout Waters by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC). Therefore, in-stream work restrictions will be required between March 1 to June 15, unless a waiver is obtained.
Alongside the road embankments of I-80 and local roadways at Exit 256 where new advance tolling signs would be placed, a few freshwater wetlands were found but all would be avoided by the proposed project.
Overall, the proposed project would result in minor permanent impacts to Nescopeck Creek and its abutting freshwater wetlands during the construction of the new bridge structures, and all temporary impacts would be restored inkind after construction. The above in-stream work window restrictions would be followed by the contractor to avoid/minimize impacts to trout fishing. Finally, it is anticipated that minor stream and wetland mitigation requirements (offsite banking or onsite restoration) would be required by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection during final design and permitting.
Threatened and Endangered Plants and Animals
In studies of threatened and endangered plants and animals within the project area, potential habitat for the Indiana Bat was identified within the Study Area. To minimize potential impacts to the Indiana Bat, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) allows tree-cutting activities to only occur between November 15 and March 31.
Traffic Diversion
Traffic Diversion Analysis
Traffic diversion analysis is comprised of two distinct steps. The first is the development of the traffic model to predict how much traffic will divert off the interstate when a toll is imposed and what route that traffic will 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 offset those impacts where appropriate.
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 will be diverted off the interstate and more importantly, where that traffic will go.
If a toll is placed on the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges, an estimated 3 percent 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. As mentioned above, based in part on feedback received from the public and stakeholders, PennDOT has decided to pursue one-way tolling and would only collect tolls on the westbound lanes at this bridge.
So where would the majority of the diverting traffic go? The primary diversion route identified for the Nescopeck Project is SR 93 for the eastern portion of the diversion and US Route 11 for the western portion of the diversion. 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 60-70 vehicles per hour, and the primary diversion route will increase by approximately 40-50 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 expected to use them.
Peak Hour Traffic Volume Table
| Route | Time of Day | Pre-Toll Traffic | Post-Toll Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Diversion Route | AM Peak Hour | 580 | 620 |
| Primary Diversion Route | PM Peak Hour | 710 | 760 |
| I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges | AM Peak Hour | 2,570 | 2,510 |
| I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges | PM Peak Hour | 3,430 | 3,360 |
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.
Traffic Demand Model
When people hear about vehicles diverting from the interstate to avoid a tolled bridge, they often envision what happens when there is a full traffic detour. To distinguish between a diversion and a detour in simple terms, diversions are a choice, detours are mandatory.
Detours are imposed because of construction or an incident on a roadway or bridge and those detours must be followed. In contrast to a detour, diversion from the interstate is a choice that drivers may make to avoid a toll and the diversion traffic is normally a small fraction of the number of vehicles compared to detours, when 100 percent of traffic leaves the interstate.
Traffic Diversion Methodology
Once it was determined how much traffic would divert and the primary route that would be utilized, a comprehensive evaluation of the 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 (including elected officials, first responders, school districts, regional planners, etc.) in July 2021 to discuss the diversion route analysis, collect information on additional routes drivers might take and potential impacts from diverting traffic. This feedback was incorporated into the traffic diversion analysis and evaluated to identify potential ways PennDOT could mitigate impacts on the community caused by the toll diversion. At the workshop, some stakeholders did express concern in the diversion route that SR 339 is likely to be a more heavily used diversion route than US Route 11 for the western portion of the diversion route. The analysis and recommended improvements to offset effects are shared below.
Traffic Evaluation
An extensive traffic study was conducted of the primary diversion route, as well as the SR 339 route mentioned at the diversion workshop, including field observations and stakeholder coordination, traffic counts, capacity analysis and crash analysis.
Crash Analysis
The crash analysis looked at five years' data of reported crashes throughout the study area. Multiple crash clusters have been noted throughout the study area, which is not unexpected given the volume of traffic and number of conflicting movements throughout the area. The largest clusters are primarily noted at the intersection of SR 93 and the I-80 WB off ramps, and at the closely spaced signalized intersections along US Route 11 in Berwick.
Capacity Analysis
Capacity analysis was conducted of these 25 intersections using the Highway Capacity Manual methodology in the Synchro analysis software. Estimated 2023 traffic volumes were projected based upon the counts and regional growth factors. Increased traffic along the primary diversion route following the implementation of tolling was estimated using the Statewide Traffic Model. The capacity analysis indicated that all of the signalized study area intersections are projected to operate at overall level of service (LOS) C or better, in other words, a low level of congestion, in the future. Additionally, all study area intersections are projected to operate at LOS D or better for all movements, again indicative of acceptable operation.
Stakeholders
Concerns were also expressed by stakeholders over the expected use of SR 339, as noted previously, as well as the operation of the intersection of SR 93 and the I-80 WB off ramps, due to the heavy use of trucks utilizing the rest stop. The access to the rest stop, Old Berwick Road, forms the fourth leg of the intersection, although offset from the I-80 WB off ramp by approximately 100 feet.
Traffic Counts
Intersection turning movement counts were conducted at 21 intersections along the primary diversion route as shown on the Diversion Route Map, with an additional 4 intersections conducted along SR 339, during the AM Peak, mid-day, and PM peak periods. These 25 intersection counts included separate tabulations of pedestrians, motorcycles, cars, trucks, medium trucks and heavy trucks. Video was taken during the counts to document traffic operations.
Field Observation
Field observations included travel time measurements on I-80 and along the diversion routes, observations of travel time and congestion and evaluation of signage and pavement conditions along portions of the diversion route.
Diversion Route Improvements
Based on feedback received during outreach and the subsequent analyses, numerous improvements were evaluated and are detailed below. 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.
Based upon detailed evaluation of issues identified by project stakeholders, the following improvements along the diversion route are proposed to accommodate the effects of tolling diversion:
- Installation of a traffic signal at the SR 93/WB Off Ramp intersection, including realignment of the WB Off Ramp to intersect SR 93 directly opposite Old Berwick Road, and install a "Signal Ahead" sign on SB SR 93 approach, timed to flash red when traffic signal is to turn red for that approach.
- Construction of a WB acceleration lane along SR 93, to the west of the Barletta Quarry, extending for a length of approximately 1,000 feet, to allow quarry trucks to accelerate to the speed of SR 93 WB traffic before merging into the traffic stream.
- Review overall signal coordination of traffic signals along US Route 11 within Berwick and provide updates/improvements.
- Overall review of directional signing to I-80 and truck restriction signage for the local roadways south of Nescopeck Borough.
Note: The analysis showed while some diversion traffic will likely utilize SR 339, particularly those familiar with the area, the volume of traffic potentially diverting to the SR 339 corridor can be accommodated without the need for any additional improvements.
Proposed Improvements to SR 93 at Quarry Entrance
Proposed Improvements to SR 93/I-80 Off Ramp
Environmental Justice Considerations
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.
PennDOT will reassess the low-income toll program five years after substantial completion of the individual bridge project. The purpose of this reassessment will be to determine the effectiveness of the low-income toll program for reducing the burden of tolls on low-income households and, depending upon the outcome of the reassessment, identify alternative solutions for reducing the burden on low-income households.
Preliminary analysis, U.S. Census data and information received from PennDOT outreach initiatives indicate that low-income populations may live 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 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 during the comment period.
Project Schedule
The project's next step is to complete the NEPA process. The results of the EA's environmental analyses will determine whether an Environmental Impact Statement needs to be prepared, or whether a Finding of No Significant Impact can be issued.
Here, you can see an estimated timeline of the project's major milestones:
Thank you for visiting the Environmental Assessment Open House and reviewing these materials and the prepared for the I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project.
