As many of you are already aware, there has been a great deal of public discussion about PennDOT’s plans to close or meter many of the ramps along the Parkway East. I have heard from so many of you who are concerned about this project for various reasons. Please know that I too am alarmed about the potential effects of this project, and as a result, yesterday I spoke directly with Dan Cessna, executive of PennDOT engineering to express my concerns.
The safety and security of our residents and their families remains my top priority. During our conversation, I articulated my concerns for the increased traffic in our communities where children play after school and wait for buses in the morning. Diverting additional traffic to these communities puts lives at risk with little or no benefit to the motoring public, which is clearly documented in the original report.
This additional traffic also presents an environmental hazard to the families and businesses in our residential communities, significantly increasing the amount of exhaust and fumes that directly affect the health of our residents and those visiting our communities. In my view, moving forward with a plan that would be detrimental to the health and safety of the people who have worked so hard to make our community vibrant would be short-sighted and provide little to no long-term gains.
After a lengthy conversation, I am pleased to report PennDOT has decided not to pursue the project any further. Again thank you to each of you who reached out to me to voice your thoughts and opinions about this project. Working together, we can clearly make an impact on the key issues affecting our community and continue providing for the safety of our citizens.