PennDOT contracted to have a new design for the I-83 Capital Beltway. A website, www.i-83beltway.com, explains the plans and provides an opportunity to contact PennDOT with your perspectives. Construction on the first segment of the project, I-81 interchange to Union Deposit Road, is currently underway. Design work is now underway on Segment 2, Union Deposit Road to 29th Street. Information from the video presentation says that they reached out to numerous stakeholders. The only bike/ped group that is mentioned is “The Greenbelt”. For years we have tried to improve safety for bicyclists as they travel Derry Street and especially alongthe East Park Drive to 40th Street/I-83 Interchange segment. The new preliminary design is much more worrisome. See: http://www.i-83beltway.com/perch/resources/oct-public-meeting/ESS2_Derry.pdf
We have recommended to PennDOT that they provide a bicyclists’ stakeholder meeting, but we need your help to demonstrate broad-based support for dedicated bicycle lanes, signage and other safety measures in their design. Visit the website, watch the video, study the information and send your comments to PennDOT. There is an article in TheBurg which says “But Harrisburg officials worry that current proposals will generate noise and congestion, eliminate taxable properties, and counteract local efforts to make Harrisburg friendlier to pedestrians and cyclists.” https://theburgnews.com/news/a-12-lane-highway-in-harrisburg-its-possible-in-penndot-plan-for-i-83
Now is the time for bicyclists to act while the project is in the design stage. In fact, PennDOT District 8 listened and learned from many of your submitted comments. A recent Project Update announces that there is a Bike/Ped link at the top menu bar of the I-83 Beltway website. You can use the new, added link to study updated bike/ped information. Register for Updates if you have not yet done so. As significant stakeholders, we look forward to working with PennDOT District 8 Project staff.