Purpose, Need, Goals and Objectives

The main goal of this project is to alleviate congestion and reduce crashes.  The following infrastructure elements have been identified as contributors to the area's problems. By identifying these problems, we can move forward and fix them. These problems or needs include:

• Inadequate number of lanes for the existing and/or anticipated traffic;
• Low-speed ramps where high-speed ramps would be anticipated;
• Awkward left-hand exit ramps;
• Too many exit and entrance ramps along the freeway mainline;
• Very short distances between exit and entrance ramps;
• Low, substandard clearances for mainline traffic under bridges; and,
• A narrow median shoulder (breakdown lane).

In addition, most of the infrastructure, including bridges and the roadway has not undergone major repairs since the original construction in the 1950s and 60s.  History has shown that roadways last about 40 to 50 years if repairs such as overlays and spot replacement of severely-deteriorated sections are made.  The roadways in this area will be over 50 years old by the anticipated start of the improvements.

Six Goals Were Established to Evaluate the Alternatives

REDUCE TRAFFIC CONGESTION: This goal is to reduce congestion by providing capacity and improving operations on I-76.  However, an alternative should not cause a shift of large volumes of traffic to cause routes to become congested.

IMPROVE SAFETY: This goal is to improve safety by eliminating operating conditions and geometry which contribute to higher crash rates.  Again, an alternative which shifts traffic to cause other routes to become congested would be less favorable because congestion-related crashes may increase. 

ELIMINATE ROADWAY DEFICIENCIES: This goal is to eliminate roadway deficiencies including replacing or repairing deteriorating infrastructure.  It includes correcting deficiencies that restrict the use of the roadway and create potential safety issues.

ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS: This goal is to maintain adequate access from I-76 to major employment destinations so that existing firms can operate effectively.

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: This goal is to minimize detrimental impacts to residential areas and related community facilities such as neighborhood stores, churches and schools, and environmental resources.

COSTS:   This goal is to keep construction and related costs reasonable for the benefit received.