Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Approaches $1 Billion Mark

News Summary

The Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway is nearing a $1 billion completion with significant progress on new bridges and interchanges. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has updated the project cost to $970 million, due to rising expenses. Construction of the southern section is on track to finish by the fall of 2027, which includes critical connectivity improvements. Meanwhile, federal funds remain unaffected by budget cuts, and significant earthwork has already been completed, paving the way for improved regional traffic patterns.

Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway Construction Nears $1 Billion Completion

The construction of the Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway (CSVT) is approaching completion with an estimated cost nearing $1 billion. Recent updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have adjusted the total cost estimate to $970 million, reflecting a $32 million increase from the previous year due to rising costs and final design refinements.

Southern Section on Schedule

Construction of the southern section, primarily located in Snyder County, is on track with plans to open the main line in the fall of 2027. A critical component of this project is the Route 61 connector, which is anticipated to be completed by the fall of 2028. This connector will provide efficient access to the Veterans Memorial Bridge leading into Sunbury, enhancing regional travel.

Traffic Management Adjustments

To minimize traffic disruptions on the already congested Route 11/15, PennDOT has decided to delay the construction of the connector. As part of this project, a bridge over Route 11/15 that serves southbound motorists will also be replaced.

Current Progress and Contracts

Recent work has included the completion of earthwork contracts, with a second significant contract underway valued at $104.6 million for the construction of nine bridges and four noise barriers. Heavy excavation work has seen approximately 4 million cubic yards of the targeted 4.5 million cubic yards already completed, marking substantial progress in the project’s timeline.

Funding Insights

Despite potential budget cuts under the Trump administration, funding for the CSVT remains secure. Approximately $430 million in federal funds specifically allocated for this project will not be affected. This funding is crucial for achieving the project’s goals, which include connecting the Route 11/15 Selinsgrove bypass with Route 147 near Montandon, ultimately improving traffic flow throughout the region.

Impact on Traffic Patterns

A noticeable decrease in truck traffic has been observed on Route 15 south of Lewisburg since the northern section opened in June 2022. Following the opening of the southern section’s main line, further traffic data comparisons will be conducted to analyze changes and improvements.

Future Developments and Proposals

Plans are also in motion to submit an application to classify Route 15 as Interstate 99 between Interstate 180 and the New York State line. Meanwhile, construction efforts are already underway on a high-speed interchange that will connect I-99 and I-80 in the Bellefonte area, aiding in the overall flow of interstate traffic.

Current and Future Contracts

The initial contract was awarded to Trumbull Corporation for $115.2 million, while another contract worth $106.4 million was given to Walsh Construction for the construction of the nine new bridges. As construction continues, drivers should be prepared for local road restrictions. Flagging operations will be in place during daytime hours where work is actively being conducted.

Overall, the CSVT project represents a major infrastructure initiative in Pennsylvania, promising enhanced connectivity and improved traffic conditions for the region upon its completion.

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Additional Resources

• PennLive: Estimated Cost of Central PA Thruway Approaching $1B
• Wikipedia: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
• North Central PA: Beam Setting to Begin for Southern Section CSVT
• Google Search: Central Susquehanna Valley Thruway
• Daily Item: Progress Continues on Southern Section of Thruway Project
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation
• Green Roofs: Selinsgrove Area Elementary School
• Google News: Pennsylvania Thruway Construction