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PennDOT District 4: 2024 Construction & 2025 Plans

2024-12-04

With the construction season of 2024 coming to a close, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation District 4 Executive Rich Roman provides an in-depth look at the completed projects, the challenges faced, and the plans for 2025. This comprehensive update offers a detailed perspective on the efforts and initiatives undertaken by the district.

Unveiling District 4's Construction Journey and Future Plans

Completed Projects in 2024

Across six counties, PennDOT achieved remarkable feats in 2024. A total of 140 miles of paving and 150 rehabilitated bridges were completed. For instance, the Suscon Road Bridge Replacement project in Luzerne County and the Route 435 flyover exit ramp in Lackawanna County stand as prime examples. These projects on roads with high ADTs and heavy truck traffic were completed safely and with quality, showcasing the district's commitment to infrastructure improvement.

Roman credits the good weather for the productive construction season. However, there were setbacks too, like the flooding in August. But until just two weeks ago, the temperatures and weather were favorable for getting things done. Now, winter has put a temporary hold on the ongoing work.

Ongoing Projects and 2025 Plans

Construction sites like the Parker Street Bridge are expected to continue into 2025. The state officials estimate that around $300 million in new projects will be added. About two-thirds of this will be focused on the interstate, with the Gibson Interchange in Susquehanna County on Interstate 81 and other higher-level improvements in Lackawanna and Luzerne County set to take shape.

Next year, the majority of PennDOT's projects in District 4 will be bridge repairs along with other new jobs. This indicates a continued focus on maintaining and enhancing the region's infrastructure. The district is gearing up to make significant strides in the coming year, ensuring the safety and efficiency of the transportation network.

Alaska is set to launch a groundbreaking program starting from January 2. This initiative offers an enticing $10,000 rebate to those who purchase newly constructed homes within the state. The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation CEO, Bryan Butcher, emphasizes that the goal is to boost the housing stock while ensuring greater energy efficiency, particularly in communities where energy costs are a significant burden.

Unlock Affordable Housing with Alaska's Rebate Program

Program Overview

The program, which began on January 2, provides a substantial financial incentive to homebuyers. It aims to address the issue of limited housing availability and high energy costs in various communities across Alaska. Homebuyers whose foundation is poured on or after January 2, 2025, are eligible for the rebate upon the completion of construction. This ensures that new homes are being built with a focus on energy efficiency, meeting a minimum of 5-star plus standards.

Not only does this program offer financial relief to homebuyers, but it also has the potential to stimulate economic development. In communities where businesses are expanding but there is a lack of housing for new employees, this program can play a crucial role. It encourages the construction of more homes, which in turn attracts more people and businesses, leading to overall economic growth.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the rebate, homebuyers must meet certain criteria. The foundation of the home must be poured on or after January 2, 2025, and the completed construction must meet the 5-star plus energy efficiency standard. Additionally, homebuyers are required to live in the home. However, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes also qualify, providing more options for those looking to invest in real estate.

The program is modeled after a similar one that was offered from 2008 to 2016, during which more than 3,600 energy-efficient homes were built across the state. It is funded with a $7 million state grant, ensuring its sustainability and potential to make a significant impact.

Application and Timeframe

Butcher encourages people to apply for the rebate on the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation website starting January 2, even if construction is not scheduled to begin immediately. There is an 18-month period within which the home must be completed to be eligible for the rebate. This allows homebuyers the flexibility to plan their construction timelines while knowing that the funds will be available.

The hope is to provide rebates for 650 new homes, and the program will continue until the funding runs out. This provides a significant opportunity for homebuyers and developers alike to contribute to the growth and development of Alaska's housing market.

Las Cruces, New Mexico is witnessing the start of construction on University Avenue. The New Mexico Department of Transportation has announced these improvements between South Main Street and Avenida de Mesilla. This project is set to have a significant impact on the traffic near Zia Middle School and the surrounding neighborhoods. The first phase, which will last until mid-December, will mainly affect traffic at the intersection of University and Avenida de Mesilla. Parents are being advised to make necessary arrangements and be prepared for delays during school drop-off and pick-up times. However, Las Cruces Public Schools has assured that bus access to Zia Middle School will remain unhindered. NMDOT has stated that the aim of this project is to widen the existing two-lane roadway. It is a federally funded project that is expected to take 460 working days and cost just over $22 million. This construction work holds great importance for the local community and is expected to bring about several improvements in the area.

Enhancing Traffic Flow on University Avenue in Las Cruces

Impact on Zia Middle School and Neighbors

The construction on University Avenue is likely to cause disruptions in the daily lives of residents near Zia Middle School. With traffic being affected during school hours, parents need to plan their schedules carefully. The surrounding neighborhoods will also experience changes in traffic patterns, which may require some adjustments in daily commutes. However, efforts are being made to ensure that the impact on local residents is minimized as much as possible.

Details of the Project Phases

The first phase of the project, which will extend until mid-December, focuses on the intersection of University and Avenida de Mesilla. This phase is crucial as it will set the stage for the subsequent widening work. The federally funded nature of the project ensures that it meets certain standards and requirements. With an expected duration of 460 working days and a cost of just over $22 million, this is a significant undertaking that will bring about long-term benefits. The widening of the two-lane roadway is expected to improve traffic flow and safety in the area.

Assurances for Bus Access

One of the major concerns for parents and the local community was the impact on bus access to Zia Middle School. However, Las Cruces Public Schools has provided reassurances that bus services will remain unaffected. This is a crucial aspect as it ensures that students can continue to attend school without any disruptions. The transportation department has put in place measures to manage traffic during the construction period and ensure the smooth flow of buses. This gives parents some peace of mind and allows them to focus on their children's education.