I-81 Press Release

I-81 Improvement Strategy Playbook and New Website Now Live

Regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and PennDOT District 8 leaders announced today the launch of the final Playbook for the I-81 Improvement Strategy in South Central Pennsylvania along with the new website design. The I-81 Improvement Strategy process began in July 2019 to evaluate existing transportation needs along the corridor from the Maryland border through Lebanon County. The Playbook can be viewed on the new website at www.i81southcentralpa.com.

“The new I-81 Improvement Strategy website highlights the key initiatives and projects that are detailed in the completed Playbook,” said Steve Deck, Executive Director of Tri-County Regional Planning Commission (TCRPC). “The I-81 Playbook explores both near and long-term projects to improve the corridor and addresses both the infrastructure and economic impact the roadway has on the surrounding communities.”

The I-81 Improvement Strategy was developed in two Phases. Phase 1 evaluated the entire corridor and prioritized focus areas based on safety, mobility, land use and access, and highway infrastructure needs. Phase 2 of the project focused on the development of candidate projects and conceptual improvements for the top four focus areas and identified improvements to address needs that occur in more than one focus area or relate to the adjacent highway network. 

“Public feedback during this process was so important and I was really happy to see how engaged not only my county of Franklin was in providing feedback, but all the counties and stakeholders along the corridor,” said Steve Thomas, Director of Franklin County MPO.

The Playbook serves as a guide for setting priorities and lays the foundation for funding future projects through the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. As funding becomes available, specific projects will then be identified and programmed for design and construction.

“I’m excited about the value that this project has placed on the I-81 corridor and the opportunities to improve the roadway for the benefit of the residents of our region,” said Jon Fitzkee, Senior Transportation Planner at Lebanon County MPO.

The I-81 Improvement Strategy is a collaborative effort among TCRPC, Franklin County, and Lebanon County Metropolitan Planning Organizations. TCRPC, which includes Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry Counties, spearheaded the effort in coordination with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration. The completed Playbook and additional project details can be found at i81SouthCentralPA.com.

Web address:  www.i81SouthCentralPA.com

CONTACT:          

Steven B. Deck, AICP

Executive Director

Tri-County Regional Planning Commission

112 Market Street, 2nd Floor

Harrisburg, PA 17101

(o) 717-234-2639, ext. 23

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