Phase one is now complete in a road construction project to better join two of Pennsylvania’s busiest interstate highways.
The project at one point was at a dead end, but two of the state’s top lawmakers, who live nearby, made a point of getting it back on the drawing board.
One new road to open and two ribbon cuttings were held Thursday for the Interstate 80/local interchange project.
The ultimate goal of the project is construction of a high-speed interchange to better link I-80 with I-99.
Handling the ceremonial ribbon-cutting scissors were two guys from nearby Bellefonte: state House Majority Leader Representative Kerry Benninghoff and state Senate Pro Tempore Senator Jake Corman.
“Kerry and I were told by one secretary that this project would never happen, this and Route 322 would never happen.”
The Route 322 project is now known as the State College Connector, and much like political fortunes, the fate of the two road projects eventually changed.
“I got to tell you; we are the envy of central Pennsylvania. Between this project and 322, that’s a billion dollars in road construction money in this region.”
“This will make for a much safer roadway for motorists in Centre County.”
Bids for the next phases of the I-80/I-99 interchange go out next year. It’s an expensive project, with this phase alone costing $52 million.
