Community Corner

MTA Officials Seek Federal Funding for Interchange

Township leaders want to revamp the Thorn Run Road ramp and signals to eliminate congestion and rush-hour snarls.

 Officials from the Moon Transportation Authority met with federal lawmakers last week in Washington, D.C., to request funding for a local transportation project to improve an interchange. 

MTA President Mark Scappe and authority board members Frank Sinatra and Tom Weaver attended meetings Wednesday with Sen. Pat Toomey, Sen. Bob Casey and Rep. Tim Murphy

Scappe said the authority was seeking $3 million in federal funding to improve the Thorn Run Road interchange off Interstate 376.

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The $4.5 million project would include new traffic signals in the intersection as well as a redesigned exit ramp off the interstate, Scappe said. 

Scappe said a preliminary design for the interchange was in the process of being approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. He said the redesigned interchange aims to alleviate traffic congestion and safety concerns.

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Rush-hour traffic in the area leads to traffic bottlenecks, causing safety concerns and delays for motorists commuting to Pittsburgh, he said.

"I think [the lawmakers] were very receptive to the plan," Scappe said. "With our track record we have an advantage [at securing funding]. We have a proven track record that we're able to get things done."

Scappe said no timeline has been set for the project. In the coming months the authority will learn whether it will receive the funding.

"We're just waiting to get the funding in place so we can get a final preliminary approval from PennDOT," Scappe said. 


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