As work to improve Route 22 in Westmoreland County continues, PennDOT District 12-0 and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) conducted a Public Plans Display for the Route 22, Sections B09 and B10 projects on August 13, 2002 at the Derry Area Middle School in Derry Borough, Westmoreland County.

The Route 22 B09 and B10 projects involve the final design of a four-lane widening of US Route 22, between SR 982 in Derry Township, Westmoreland County and the Conemaugh River Bridge at the Indiana / Westmoreland County line.

The purpose of the open house meeting was to inform the community about important design elements of both projects, including the placement of median barrier and the location of turn lanes, signalized intersections and jughandles to enhance safety and mobility, and to provide an opportunity for community input.

By discussing project details and identifying local interests and concerns, PennDOT and its project team can develop a project design that is sensitive to local needs including residents, businesses, local officials, schools and emergency response personnel.    
 

A comment form was distributed at the public meeting and the results indicated that the community is receptive to the current plans. The results of those questionnaires confirm that there is public support for the proposed turnaround locations located throughout both the B09 and the B10 sections of the project.

This use of median barriers as a safety device is also well-supported by local citizens.  To improve safety and traffic flow, access to Route 22 will be controlled with a concrete median barrier.  When participants were asked if they agreed with the use of median barriers for controlled access onto the highway, many residents responded positively. Please review the results of the survey for more details on the opinions of the community.

The comment forms also provided a means for the public to address individual issues. Many community members stated their concern for safety, access to residential property, access to local business and access to local roads.

Focused meetings with individual stakeholders, like school district representatives and specific community interests will be conducted as the need arises throughout the remainder of the preliminary and final design of this project.