U.S. 219 Improvements Project Continues

Public Meeting
December 3, 2001

Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation (PENNDOT) 9-0 has retained Greenhorne & O'Mara (G&O) to prepare preliminary engineering and environmental studies for the 15.2 mile section of U.S. 219 between the north end of the Meyersdale Bypass and the existing four lane section of U.S. 219 near the Borough of Somerset. PENNDOT and G&O have been working diligently over the past 8 months to prepare comprehensive mapping of existing environmental features, evaluate these features, and develop preliminary alternatives to address the transportation needs within the study area. The existing environmental features have been mapped through the use of geographic information systems (GIS) technology, utilizing recent aerial photography that provides an excellent base map of the natural and cultural resources within the study area. These features were then verified in the field by G&O's environmental scientists.

After the completion of the preliminary environmental studies and the GIS mapping, preliminary alternatives were developed. These alternatives include:

• No Build (or "Do Nothing") Alternative;
• Transportation System Management (TSM);
• Upgrade of Existing U.S. 219 and the Garrett Shortcut (S.R. 2031); and
• Four corridors in which a new roadway could be built.

These alternatives were presented to the various State and Federal agencies for their review and comment. A special agency meeting was held on November 6th to allow the agencies to tour the study area and to view where the alternatives would be located. For further information regarding the alternatives, please see page 2.

Public meetings are a great way to stay informed about the U.S. 219 Improvements Project. A Public Meeting will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2001, at the Berlin-Brothersvalley School. PENNDOT will introduce alternatives for the proposed improvements to U.S. 219, answer questions, and seek comments on the project.

Prior to the Public Meeting, a Public Officials Meeting will be held at 3:30 p.m. at the school.

Meeting Date:
   December 13, 2001
Time:
   5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.*
Location:
   Berlin-Brothersvalley School
   1025 East Main Street
   Berlin, PA

*Please note this meeting is an Open House - you may stop by at any time between 5:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.