Frequently Asked Questions

WHY IS THE CSVT PROJECT BEING PLACED “ON HOLD”?
The estimated funding needs for the CSVT Project total $390 million in 2008 dollars. This includes $40 million to complete all design, right-of –way acquisition and utility relocation efforts, in addition to $350 million for the construction. The SEDA-COG region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) simply cannot afford to complete this project given the need to focus transportation resources on system preservation. There is no funding for the CSVT Project on the upcoming Draft 2009-2012 Transportation Improvement Program and there are currently no other dedicated funds identified for the project's construction. Consequently, the project is being placed on hold to allow additional time to pursue other funding options without losing the current investment into the project.
WILL DESIGN OF THE CSVT PROJECT CONTINUE?
Final design on selected tasks for the Northern Section will continue to a logical completion or holding point and then work will be suspended. Final design will not be initiated on the Southern Section.
WHY NOT PROCEED WITH FINAL DESIGN ON THE SOUTHERN SECTION?
It would not be prudent for the department to initiate final design in the Southern Section (or continue design of the Northern Section) without a dedicated construction funding source. Doing so would redirect funds necessary for the preservation and replacement of existing roads and bridges in the SEDA-COG region.
WILL PENNDOT CONTINUE TO SEEK FUNDING FOR THE CSVT PROJECT?
Yes. PennDOT will continue to seek funding and support local initiatives to secure other sources of funding to complete the CSVT project.
WHY CAN’T PENNDOT BUILD PART OF THE CSVT PROJECT?
Since CSVT was developed as a single project for National Environmental Policy Ace (NEPA) clearance, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has determined that the entire project’s costs must be taken into account for planning/programming purposes. Although the project could be built in sections, a financial plan would need to be in place and approved by the FHWA outlining how the department plans to fund all phases of the entire project including funds for final design, right-of-way acquisition, utility relocations, and construction for both the Northern and Southern Sections.
WITH THE BRIDGE BILL AND ACT 44, AREN’T THERE SUFFICIENT FUNDS FOR THIS PROJECT?
The SEDA-COG region’s base allocation within District 3-0 is approximately $24.6 million per year for both highways and bridges. This does not include Act 44 funds. The Act 44 funds are approximately $7.7 million per year for the District 3-0 counties in the SEDA-COG region. These funds are not sufficient to maintain all of the highways and bridges in those 5 counties and support the completion of the CSVT project.
HOW LONG WOULD IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE DESIGN OF THE CSVT PROJECT IF IT IS RE-ACTIVATED?
It would take approximately 30 months of work until the project's first of seven planned construction contracts would be ready to go to a bid letting.
WHAT DOES PUTTING THE PROPERTY IN A “HOLDING STATUS” MEAN TO THE PROPERTY OWNERS IMPACTED BY THE PROJECT?
Where PennDOT has already presented offers to acquire right-of-way for this project, the offers will stand with the owner’s option to continue the acquisition process. However, no further offers to acquire right-of-way will be made. In the event that a property owner who is impacted by the CSVT Project, but has not been made an offer, desires us to initiate the right-of-way acquisition process, the owner should make such a request, in writing, to the District. PennDOT Right-of-Way staff is available to meet with each interested property owner and discuss available options. Mr. Lenny Confer, District Right-of-Way Administrator, may be contacted at 570-368-4337 with right-of-way questions, or to schedule a meeting.
WILL PENNDOT BE RENTING PROPERTIES THAT IT HAS ALREADY ACQUIRED?

Renting properties that have buildings and have been acquired will be considered on a case-by-case basis. If renting such properties is determined not feasible or reasonable, the buildings on the property will be demolished and removed.

MANY OF THE SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT THE CSVT PROJECT WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX WILL REMAIN WHILE THE CSVT PROJECT IS ON HOLD. WHAT DOES PENNDOT PROPOSE TO DO ABOUT THESE ISSUES?
PennDOT will undertake safety and congestion studies within the CSVT corridor to evaluate interim localized improvements to the existing network.