Feb 14, 2008 6:15 pm US/Eastern
Lack Of $ Holds Up Work On Mon-Fayette Project
(KDKA)
The Pennsylvania Turnpike says it has plans to open another stretch of the Mon-Fayette Expressway outside of Uniontown later this year.
However, officials say a lack of money is holding up construction on the rest of the road. Now with the possibility of new funding on the way, some people say they are wondering if and when their homes will make way for construction.
Already, about 35 miles of the road is open in Allegheny, Washington, and Fayette counties. But about 60 miles still needs to be completed, and it has already become the second most expensive road project in America.
"At least $1.8 billion to $2 billion to finish the Southern Beltway," said Tom Fox, of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. "I'm talking about taking that through construction. And we need about $3 billion to $4 billion to finish 51 to Pittsburgh."
KDKA's Jim Lokay reports that eventually, there are plans are to extend the road through the Mon Valley. One branch would continue along the Mon River, and the other will cut through the Turtle Creek Valley.
But some people say they are upset over those plans.
In North Versailles, some neighbors would lose their homes with a stretch coming beneath the Westinghouse Bridge.
Officials say hundreds of millions in gas taxes and vehicle fees have financed construction so far, but the Turnpike says they are now considering arrangements to move the project forward by bringing in the private sector.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Comments