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The
design team has compiled a list of common issues and concerns voiced
by the public. A summary of these items, along with a response from
the design team, is posted below and this list will be updated as the
project proceeds and PennDOT receives more public comments and questions.
We encourage you to play an active role in the development of the project
by submitting written or verbal comments to the design team, attend the public meetings, complete the questionnaires,
talk to team members…make sure your voice is heard.
Why
is a new bridge needed? Can you just fix the old bridge?
The existing bridge does not meet the current design standards for bridges
carrying vehicular traffic. Even extensive repairs to the existing bridge
could not bring it up to standards. For example, the existing bridge
has a low clearance level over the river. When heavy rains cause the
river to flood, there is always the danger that floating debris will
cause structural damage to the bridge.
The new bridge (the Preferred
Alternative) will meet all of the current design standards, will sit
higher above the river (thereby reducing the danger of structural damage),
and will be easier and less costly to maintain.
If the existing bridge
is removed, how will pedestrians cross from Mifflin to Mifflintown?
Pedestrians can use the sidewalk on the new bridge to cross the river.
There will still be that walking connection between communities. The
new bridge will even provide a more direct connection between the Junior
and Senior High Schools in Mifflintown and the park in Mifflin.
There has been talk of
building a new pedestrian bridge to replace the existing bridge once
it is removed. What are the specifics on that?
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and PennDOT have offered to
construct a new, concrete pedestrian bridge to replace the existing
bridge. This is a prime opportunity to maintain the existing connection
between communities, which some citizens have noted as very important.
However, PennDOT will not
maintain a pedestrian bridge. Another entity (such as the county or
the municipalities) must own and maintain the bridge. So far, no one
has stepped forward to claim ownership of the bridge. A new owner must
be identified by May 2007 or no pedestrian bridge can be built along
with this Juniata River Bridge Replacement project. It is up to the
local citizenry, not PennDOT, to find an owner for the new pedestrian
bridge.
What factors were considered
when determining the location of the new bridge?
First and foremost,
the project team looked at engineering constraints (such as design requirements,
floodplains, traffic, and cost) and environmental features (such as
wetlands, wildlife of concern, cultural resources, and the needs of
the local community businesses and residents) to provide the base parameters
for location of a bridge. Then the project team met with members of
the public, members of the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC), local
business owners, school personnel, and emergency service providers to
hear their views on the different possible locations for the new bridge.
Determining the final location was a delicate balancing of all the information
collected from studies, surveys, and meetings.
Will the new bridge affect
response time for emergency services?
The project team has coordinated with EMS providers in the area and
they have stated that the new bridge would not affect their response
time.
We heard that the new
bridge might tie into a roundabout in front of the Junior High School.
Is a roundabout better than an intersection at this busy location?
The project team compared the effectiveness of a 3-way intersection
with a roundabout. School administrators and school bus drivers favored
the roundabout over the 3-way intersection. EMS providers expressed
no concerns over a roundabout for passage of their emergency vehicles.
The roundabout would be especially effective at calming traffic and
maintaining traffic flow in the area.
Will there be a detour
when the new bridge is being constructed?
Construction of the bridge itself will not require a detour. Some temporary
half-lane closures may be necessary during construction of the roadway
approach roads for the bridge and for the Round About.
When will the new bridge
be built and how long will it take to build it?
Construction is expected to start in 2009 and completed by the end of
2010.
If a train derailed near
the proposed connector road in Mifflin, how would vehicles get in and
out of Mifflin?
The project team considered this question after residents discussed
it at a public meeting. As a result, the Preferred Alternative now includes
an emergency ramp connecting Wilson Street to River Drive.
Why couldn't a new pedestrian
bridge also accommodate emergency vehicles?
It would greatly increase the size, cost and impacts associated with
the bridge. EMS personnel have already stated that the Preferred Alternative
will enable them to respond in an acceptable amount of time.
I am concerned that my
business, house or property will be 'taken' by the project.
When will we know if our properties will be displaced and what do we
do about it?
Right-Of-Way (ROW) issues are usually addressed during the Final Design
phase, which is anticipated to be in 2008/2009. At that time, a ROW
representative from PennDOT will contact owners of affected properties
to discuss acquiring some or all of their property. (See the PennDOT
ROW brochure.)
What historic resources
are present in the project area?
The following historic resources have been determined eligible for listing
on the National Register of Historic Places:
Mifflintown Historic District
Main Line of the Pennsylvania Railroad from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh
Juniata Division of the Pennsylvania Main Line Canal
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