PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has studied a proposed interchange between the Pennsylvania Turnpike and Interstate 95, the PA Turnpike/I-95 Interchange Project. In 1969, Interstate 95 was completed without a direct connection to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The lack of a direct connection has created confusion for regional travelers, and resulted in increased congestion on local arterial roadways used by motorists to connect between the interstate highways.

Several previous studies have suggested ways to join these two roads but were discontinued for a variety of engineering and environmental reasons. The goal of the latest environmental impact study was to determine whether a direct connection could be developed between the PA Turnpike and I-95, while minimizing impacts on socioeconmic and environmental resources.

The objectives for the Interchange Project:

• Provide an improved linkage between the PA Turnpike and I-95 for easier interstate travel
• Complete I-95 through the Mid-Atlantic region by constructing an interchange and redesignating the PA and NJ Turnpikes
• Reduce the amount of traffic on local roads currently used to make the connection between I-95 and the PA Turnpike
• Increase the capacity on the PA Turnpike and I-95 to accommodate the transfer of traffic from the local roads to the interstates
• Improve travel time through the study area by reducing traffic delays